What is the primary purpose of a vertical prototype?

The primary purpose of a vertical prototype is to drill down into a proposed solution by illustrating specific features and functionalities of the system in depth. Unlike horizontal prototypes, which provide a broad overview of features across various modules or areas, vertical prototypes focus on a single aspect, allowing stakeholders to explore and interact with more intricate details of that particular functionality. This approach helps to validate user interface design, refine requirements, and assess the feasibility of specific functionalities as part of the overall system.

By delivering a focused view of the application, a vertical prototype can also uncover potential issues and gaps in the design early in the development process, facilitating conversation around specific use cases and ensuring that the final product meets user needs effectively.