What is a prototype in graphic design?

In graphic design, a prototype serves as an early sample or model that helps designers test and validate their design concepts. By using a prototype, designers can explore various elements of their projects, such as layout, color schemes, and interactive features, allowing for critical feedback and iterative improvements before the final design is produced. This process helps identify potential issues and refine the overall concept, ensuring that the end product aligns with the intended vision and meets the needs of the target audience.

Prototypes can vary in form, ranging from low-fidelity sketches to high-fidelity digital mockups, depending on the stage of the design process. The key aspect is their role in experimentation and validation, making it an essential tool in graphic design. A prototype is not a finalized product, which indicates the distinction from other options, such as a final product ready for distribution, a theoretical framework, or a digital representation without physical form. These other concepts either imply completion or a lack of practical application, which is not characteristic of a prototype's purpose in design.