What is the purpose of prototyping in the design process?

Prototyping in the design process is primarily about exploring and testing ideas. It involves creating a preliminary model or version of a product that allows designers and stakeholders to visualize and interact with concepts before they become fully developed. This iterative and experimental approach enables designers to evaluate the feasibility of their ideas, identify potential issues, and make necessary adjustments based on feedback. By testing prototypes, designers can refine their approach, ensuring that the final product better meets user needs and expectations. This aspect of prototyping makes it a critical step in the design process, as it encourages innovation and problem-solving early on.

While communicating with stakeholders, finalizing the design, and conducting market research are important components of the overall design and development process, they do not capture the primary function of prototyping itself, which is centered on iterative exploration and testing of concepts.