---
title: The importance of prototypes in project development
description: If you're developing a digital project, understand why prototypes are important during the planning phase.
source: https://vitaminaweb.digital/en/blog/the-importance-of-prototypes-in-project-development
lang: en
---

![The importance of prototypes in project development](https://vitaminaweb.digital/storage/blog/kjRoYocV8LaQVOsbJJq0EYR4vzU6XVAfPj8NSxLH.webp)

If you're going to develop a digital project, whatever it may be, you need to understand the importance of prototypes during the planning phase.

A prototype is the fastest and most cost-effective way to define a project's actual features and test how it works.

No matter how many requirements and assumptions were considered during project planning, we will only know if they were made correctly once users interact with the project. If something wasn't thought of beforehand, it can result in:

- Wasted time because certain project features have to be redone, created or removed;
- Unnecessary spending on features that won't be used;
- Additional costs for features that would actually be important to the project's success;

Using prototypes is the most effective way to simulate user interaction with a project and should be done before development begins.

## **Advantages of creating prototypes**

- Doesn't require development time;
- Reduces development costs by avoiding rework;
- Doesn't require specialized knowledge of graphic design software;
- Makes it easier for the client to understand the project from the outset;
- Makes it easier to gather requirements;
- Makes it easier to identify features;
- Makes it possible to accurately estimate the project's complexity;
- Makes it possible to accurately estimate the time needed for development;
- Makes it easier to run interaction tests;

## Useful links

- [Wireframe, prototype or mockup, what's the difference?](https://vitamina.digital/wireframe-prototipo-e-mockup-qual-a-diferenca/)
- [Prototype fidelity: High, medium and low, learn about the different types](https://vitamina.digital/fidelidade-de-prototipos-baixa-media-ou-alta/)

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