A prototype is a preliminary version of a product or system that is developed to test and demonstrate its feasibility and functionality. Prototyping is a common practice in various research areas, such as engineering, product design, software development, and human-computer interaction. The purpose of prototyping is to generate feedback from users and stakeholders, identify potential issues early in the development process, and refine the design before full-scale production or implementation. Prototypes can range from simple mockups and sketches to fully functional models or simulations, depending on the goals and requirements of the research project.