When is it appropriate to complete a polish pass for your prototype?

Completing a polish pass for your prototype is most appropriately done after creating a prototype with enhancements. At this stage, the core mechanics and systems have been implemented, and you've started to refine and improve upon the initial design. The polish pass is intended to smooth out rough edges, enhance the user experience, and ensure that the elements of the game are visually and functionally coherent.

During this phase, developers can focus on adding details that elevate the prototype, such as improved graphics, sound effects, animations, and overall gameplay balance. The aim is to turn a functional prototype into something more polished that better represents the final vision for the game.

The other stages, like post-user testing or after receiving feedback, are typically geared towards identifying issues or opportunities for improvement rather than enhancing the polish of the prototype. They come after the initial enhancement stage to refine the game based on user experience rather than establishing the quality of the primary gameplay elements. Thus, the timing of the polish is critical in ensuring that the prototype effectively communicates your game’s vision before further iterations based on feedback.