Prototyping allows for rapid testing and feedback, which is crucial for understanding product dynamics before scaling with engineering resources.

Prototyping is an incredibly valuable tool, even if I personally haven't utilized it much. I tend to rush to build and ship my code, but I recognize that taking the time to prototype can lead to better outcomes.

Rapid prototyping and user testing are essential; focus on getting a functional prototype out quickly, using tools to create clickable mock-ups or writing throwaway code to test ideas with users, as building a fully functional product before testing can be an expensive mistake.

Common mistakes in prototyping include overbuilding and not engaging with users early enough to gather feedback.

It's important to gather user feedback early, even with a prototype, to ensure you're addressing real problems and providing value to your customers.

It's crucial to engage with customers early on, as they can provide valuable feedback that helps you build a better product than if you just focus on perfecting the prototype first.

During the ideation stage, the goal is to create a prototype quickly to demonstrate to users, even if it doesn't work perfectly.

If you're not prototyping and building to see what you want to build, I think you're doing it wrong. Prototyping is essential for effective product development.

To build a prototype rapidly, utilize prototyping software and keep it simple, such as creating a clickable prototype with tools like Figma or Envision.