What happens during the process of prototyping?

During the prototyping process, the focus is on taking an initial design concept and creating a model or representation that can be tested and evaluated. This allows for real-world testing, where the prototype is subjected to conditions similar to actual use. Feedback gathered during this testing phase is crucial as it informs necessary adjustments to improve the design. In essence, the prototype is refined iteratively based on this feedback, ensuring that the final product meets user needs and design specifications.

Creating a full-scale representation for users may occur later in the design process but is not the primary focus of prototyping, which emphasizes iterative testing and modification. Documenting a concept without creating a physical representation is part of the planning stages, separate from prototyping where a tangible model is essential. Additionally, while independent elements can be developed, the essence of prototyping lies in the cohesive evaluation of a unified model rather than creating elements in isolation. Thus, the act of adjusting a prototype based on testing is central to the prototyping process, highlighting its importance in design development.