CS504 GDB – solution

A part of Software Engineering community claims that a “Prototype” is part of requirements elicitation as it helps to refine the requirements further. On the other hand, in second stance, some people claim it to be part of the design process as it provides a base (e.g. interface design etc.) for developing an operational product.
What is your stance? please provide your opinion with logical reasons with in five (5) to seven (7).