Modern tools can turn an idea into something remarkably convincing, remarkably quickly. That is progress, which can create a false sense of proximity to a finished product.

Once a prototype looks complete, timelines, budgets and customer commitments begin forming around its polish rather than its readiness. Visual progress can create business commitment faster than the product earns it.

A prototype proves the intended journey can work. A product must remain secure, reliable and supportable when it does not. The more convincing the prototype, the more disciplined the evaluation behind it should be.