Prototyping

Prototyping is creating early product versions to validate concepts, designs, and functions before actual development begins. Prototype types: Low-fidelity (paper sketches, wireframes), Mid-fidelity (clickable wireframes), High-fidelity (pixel-perfect, interactive prototypes). Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, Principle for animations. Benefits: Early error detection, cheaper than code changes, basis for user testing, stakeholder alignment. The prototype is not the final product - "fake it till you make it". The earlier testing happens, the cheaper corrections are.