Is the following statement a benefit or a risk? "The prototype will validate that the product meets a target user's requirements."

The statement highlights a key advantage of developing a prototype in the product design process. By validating that the product meets a target user's requirements, the prototype serves as a tangible representation of the proposed solution. This validation process is crucial because it allows designers and stakeholders to gather feedback early in the development cycle, ensuring that the final product aligns with user needs.

This benefit can lead to several positive outcomes, such as reducing the likelihood of costly redesigns or adjustments later in development, increasing user satisfaction by ensuring their needs are met, and potentially enhancing market success by confirming that the product resonates with its intended audience.

In contrast, risk would imply that there are potential negative outcomes or uncertainties associated with this process. Neutral would suggest that the statement has no overall impact, while costly would imply that the prototype incurs a significant expenditure without a guaranteed return in value. However, validating user requirements through prototyping is fundamentally a proactive measure that enhances product development, making it a clear benefit.