Prototyping is an experimental process where design teams implement ideas into tangible forms from paper to digital.
A prototype is a simple model or a mockup of a concept, idea, product or service. It is used to test or validate design assumptions that were made to construct the prototype quickly and in a less expensive way than developing a full-fledged product or service. The prototype also gives an idea of how to refine or alter it to move closer to the finished product or service offering.