The creation of a physical representation or model of a finished design for evaluation by users. A prototype can range from a quick mock-up in craft materials to test an initial concept to a more highly resolved artefact closer to production. Prototyping makes abstract ideas real, communicates concepts clearly and helps to reduce the risk of costly mistakes in the later stages of development – useful lessons can be learned with each new prototype. Users have a more direct and less ambiguous interaction with a prototype compared to verbal or illustrative descriptions of an idea, which can be open to misinterpretation.