What is a prototype and what types are there?

A prototype is an early version of a product or its part, created to test ideas, functionality, and design before full-scale development. Prototypes help identify errors, gather user feedback, and save resources.

Types of prototypes:

• Low-fidelity — simple, often paper or schematic models that show the basic structure and logic without design details.
• High-fidelity — interactive and close to the final product, may include animations, real data, and a complete interface.
• Wireframe — a framework of the interface showing the placement of elements without styling.
• Clickable prototypes — allow users to interact with the interface and navigate between screens.

The choice of type depends on the goals: quick feedback collection, UX testing, demonstration to clients, etc.