What is the primary goal of the 'Prototype' stage in Design Thinking?

The primary goal of the 'Prototype' stage in Design Thinking is to start or create solutions. This stage focuses on translating ideas generated during the ideation phase into tangible representations. Prototypes can take various forms, such as sketches, models, or digital mock-ups, and are vital for visualizing concepts and solutions that address the users' needs identified earlier in the process.

This stage is essential because it allows teams to explore different solutions quickly and flexibly, enabling them to iterate and refine their ideas based on user feedback and insights. Prototypes act as tools for communication, helping stakeholders understand the proposed ideas more clearly and facilitating collaboration. By creating prototypes, teams can lay the groundwork for further testing and evaluation, which will occur in subsequent stages of the Design Thinking process.

Testing solutions, introducing ideas to the market, and evaluating the effectiveness of a product are important aspects that come after prototyping, as they build upon the insights gained through the prototype creation process. Therefore, the primary focus during the Prototype stage is indeed on starting or creating solutions.