What is one key characteristic of prototyping in product development?

In product development, prototyping serves a crucial function by enabling the identification of design flaws before the final production phase. This key characteristic is fundamental to the prototype process as it allows designers and engineers to test and evaluate a concept in a tangible form. By creating a prototype, teams can assess usability, functionality, and aesthetics, facilitating discussions and feedback which can lead to improvements in the design.

Furthermore, addressing issues early on can save time and resources, as it is generally more cost-effective to make changes during the prototype phase than after production has begun. This proactive approach helps ensure that the final product is more likely to meet user needs and quality standards.

Other options do not accurately capture the primary purpose of prototyping, as they focus on aspects such as regulatory compliance, marketing, or cost reduction strategies, which are not the primary objectives of the prototyping phase in product development.