What is the purpose of prototypes in the product design process?

Prototypes play a critical role in the product design process primarily because they allow designers to test theories and explore alternatives before moving into the manufacturing phase. By creating a prototype, designers can experiment with different materials, configurations, and functionalities in a tangible form. This helps in identifying any design flaws early on, assessing usability, and evaluating the effectiveness of the product's features. Prototyping serves as a practical method for verifying concepts and guiding design decisions, which ultimately leads to a more refined and effective final product.

The other options, while they address different aspects of the product development process, do not capture the essence of prototyping as effectively. For instance, while aesthetics can be reviewed through prototypes, the primary intention is not just to finalize product looks but to validate and improve overall design and functionality. Marketing a product or gathering feedback from investors are valuable activities that occur later in the product development cycle, typically after prototypes have been evaluated and refined based on testing and exploration.