What is a prototype used for?

A prototype serves as an essential tool in the product development process, primarily used for testing a design concept through observations and adjustments. By creating a prototype, teams can visualize how a product will work in practical scenarios. This allows designers to identify any flaws or areas for improvement based on real-world interactions with the prototype.

The iterative nature of prototyping enables stakeholders to observe user behavior, gather feedback, and make more informed decisions before finalizing the product. This can lead to enhancements in usability, functionality, and overall design that might not have been evident in initial planning stages. Through testing and observation, the prototype becomes an instrumental part of refining the product, ensuring that it meets the needs and expectations of its intended users.

The other options, while related to business processes, do not capture the primary purpose of a prototype in development and design contexts. Finalizing a marketing campaign or assessing customer satisfaction may occur after a product is developed, while creating financial projections is focused on the economic aspects rather than design testing. Prototyping stands out as a critical element in the lifecycle of product development, enabling teams to innovate and improve effectively.