Prototyping enables designers to create interactive and functional representations of a design concept, allowing stakeholders to visualize how the final product will look and behave. It helps validate design decisions, gather feedback from users, and identify usability issues early in the design process, leading to more effective and user-centered designs.

Common tools for wireframing include software applications like Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, and Balsamiq, as well as traditional pen and paper. For prototyping, designers often use prototyping tools like InVision, Axure RP, Proto.io, and Marvel to create interactive prototypes with clickable elements, transitions, and animations.

Wireframing and prototyping should be integrated into the early stages of the design process, after conducting user research and defining design requirements. Wireframes help visualize and refine layout and structure, while prototypes allow for interactive testing and validation of design concepts before moving into development. Iterative prototyping throughout the design process helps refine and improve the user experience based on user feedback and usability testing results.