What is a prototype?

• A. A test model of a product.
• B. The final finished product.
• C. The manufacturing plan.
• D. An unrelated diagram.

Answer: (A)

A prototype is a test model of a product built to try out ideas and see how the design will work in real use. It lets designers check function, ergonomics, and how different materials or mechanisms feel, so problems can be found and improved before making the final version. It isn’t the finished product you’d sell or mass-produce, and it isn’t a plan for how to manufacture it. The manufacturing plan is a separate document that explains the steps and processes to produce the item, while an unrelated diagram isn’t part of testing the design.