What is a prototype's role during product development?

A prototype plays a crucial role in the product development process primarily by helping to visualize the design and evaluate its functionality. This is essential as it allows designers and developers to explore and test various aspects of the design before full-scale production begins. A prototype provides a tangible representation of an idea, allowing stakeholders to interact with it and provide valuable feedback regarding usability, aesthetics, and overall performance.

Additionally, prototypes can help identify potential issues early in the development process, which can save time and resources. By iterating on prototypes, designers can refine their concepts and ensure that the final product meets user needs and expectations.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of a prototype in product development. A prototype is never intended to serve as the final product, nor can it eliminate the need for consumer testing; in fact, consumer feedback is often gathered through prototype testing. Moreover, establishing a marketing plan typically occurs after development progresses beyond the prototyping stage, focusing instead on how to best position the final product in the market.