A prototype is an interactive, clickable version of the product. Unlike a static wireframe, it simulates how the product really works: you can navigate from one screen to another.

What a prototype is for

• Testing journeys with real users before development starts.
• Communicating the idea to the team and to clients in a tangible way.
• Spotting usability problems very early.

A prototype can be more or less faithful: low fidelity (simple linked screens) to validate the logic, or high fidelity (close to the final product) to test the detailed result. Tools such as Figma let you connect screens with clickable areas in a matter of minutes. The big win: fixing a prototype costs far less than fixing code that is already written.

Key takeaway: a prototype brings the idea to life before any code. One click is worth a thousand explanations.