____ are prototypes used to simulate a customer experience and/or the immersive environment in which...

Experience Prototypes are specifically designed to simulate the customer experience and the immersive environment in which the experience will occur. Unlike other prototypes that may focus on functionality or the technical workings of a product (e.g., works-like prototypes), experience prototypes are created to provide a sense of how the user will interact with and experience the product or service in a real-world context. These prototypes help test the emotional and sensory aspects of the customer journey, enabling designers to assess whether the intended experience resonates with users. Experience prototypes allow businesses to refine customer touchpoints, ensuring that the product or service aligns with user expectations and creates a meaningful impact. This approach is integral to Design Thinking , where understanding the customer ex perience is a central focus. In the Innovation Professional (CInP) curriculum, creating experience prototypes is emphasized as a vital step in the iterative design process, helping to ensure that the final product meets both functional and experiential goals.