What characterizes a prototype?

A prototype is characterized as a production-ready demonstration model because it serves as a tangible representation of an idea, concept, or product. Prototypes are essential in the design and development process, as they allow stakeholders to visualize and interact with an early version of the product. This interaction enables teams to gather valuable feedback, identify potential issues, and iterate on the design.

Being production-ready signifies that the prototype is close to the final product, encompassing the essential features and functions that will be present in the market version. This stage is crucial as it helps validate both the design and performance of the product under conditions that mimic real-world usage, making it an effective tool for testing and refinement before mass production.

While other options may reference stages of product development as well, they do not accurately reflect the role of a prototype. For instance, a naïve realization of an idea lacks the refinement and testing associated with prototyping. A final product ready for market is, by definition, beyond the prototype stage, as it has already completed testing and validation. Similarly, a theoretical design concept does not involve any physical representation or practical application, whereas a prototype embodies the concept in a tangible form.