What is meant by the term "prototyping" in the context of a design sprint?

Prototyping in the context of a design sprint refers to creating a preliminary version of the product. This process allows designers and teams to visualize their ideas and concepts in a tangible way, enabling them to test and refine the design before moving to final production. It includes developing low-fidelity prototypes, such as sketches or wireframes, as well as higher-fidelity versions that can simulate user interactions. The goal is to gather feedback and insights quickly, which can inform subsequent iterations and help ensure the final product effectively meets users' needs and expectations.

This phase is crucial because it emphasizes the iterative nature of design, where each prototype can be improved based on user testing and feedback, ultimately leading to a more user-centered end product.