What is the purpose of a mockup in design?

The purpose of a mockup in design is to create a to-scale representation of a product that allows designers to gain feedback from users. Mockups are crucial during the design process as they help stakeholders visualize how the final product will look and function. This visualization assists in identifying design flaws, assessing user interactions, and making necessary adjustments before moving on to more advanced stages of development, such as prototyping.

A mockup does not focus on functionality or detailed technical specifications, which differentiates it from prototypes or models specifically designed for rigorous testing. Its main objective is to provide a tangible, visual representation of the concept, facilitating discussions and evaluations based on user experiences and preferences. This feedback is invaluable for refining design before it progresses to the more intricate stages of development.