What does prototyping help engineers clarify?

Prototyping plays a crucial role in the design process as it allows engineers to create tangible representations of their ideas, which helps them clarify the feasibility and functionality of those design concepts. By developing a prototype, engineers can test how well the design works in practice, identify any design flaws, and determine whether the proposed solutions meet the intended requirements and specifications. This hands-on approach provides valuable insights that are often not achievable through theoretical analysis alone, enabling engineers to refine and enhance their designs based on real-world testing and observations. Prototyping also facilitates communication among team members and stakeholders, as it provides a visual and physical representation of the ideas being considered. This aspect of prototyping is essential for iterating through design ideas and ultimately ensuring the final product is both functional and viable before moving to production.