What does a 'mockup' represent in graphic communication?

A 'mockup' serves as a representation of the design for visualization purposes. It provides a tangible or digital model of how a final product is intended to look, allowing designers, clients, and stakeholders to see the layout, colors, typography, and overall aesthetics before the product goes into production. This is crucial in graphic communication because it helps in understanding how the design elements work together, enabling feedback and adjustments to be made early in the design process.

Mockups do not contain final specifications for production, which would typically be detailed in production-ready documents. Instead, they focus on presenting an accurate depiction of visual aspects and design intent. Although a mockup may be simplified and not include every minute detail, its primary function is to bridge the gap between concepts and the final product, making option B the most accurate representation of what a mockup accomplishes in graphic communication. An analysis report, on the other hand, pertains to evaluating the design rather than visualizing it, further emphasizing the distinct role that a mockup plays in the design process.