Prototyping for Stakeholder Buy-In vs. Usability Testing

Be clear about the primary objective of your prototype:

Prototyping for Stakeholders

• Goal: Persuade executives or investors to fund a vision.
• Attributes: Highly polished, happy-path demonstration highlighting delight, brand elegance, and visionary features.

Prototyping for Usability Testing

• Goal: Uncover where users get stuck, confused, or frustrated.
• Attributes: Must support error paths, failed validations, realistic edge-case content, and realistic system delays.