Why are paper prototypes considered a low-commitment activity?

Paper prototypes are considered a low-commitment activity because they can be discarded easily. This characteristic allows designers and teams to experiment and iterate freely without the fear of wasting resources or making irreversible decisions. Since paper prototypes are simple, quick to create, and inexpensive, they encourage creativity and experimentation; designers can sketch out various ideas, test them, and make immediate revisions or completely start over without significant cost or time implications.

In contrast to other methods that may involve technology or more intricate processes, paper prototypes provide a flexible way to gather feedback and refine concepts early in the design process, supporting rapid iteration based on user input.