Prototype vs MVP: Which One Is Better For Your Business?

Prototype vs MVP: Which One Is Better For Your Business?

If you are confused between MVP vs Prototype for your business. Then read this blog to know the utility of both, cost, pros & cons & how each can enhance your business’s growth.

date

Published On: 11 March, 2024

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6 min read

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You can set up your idea or product for failure if you cannot decide whether you need a prototype or MVP. The discussion of prototype vs MVP  is indeed crucial as well as challenging. However, the proper knowledge about both can save you from potential loss of money, clients, and time.

That’s why, for once and for all, we are going to tell you all about prototypes as well as MVPs —the critical difference between both and which one is best for you.  To get a general idea regarding this, check out the picture below. 

benefits of mvp

If you cannot truly understand, don’t worry; without any further delay, we are starting with the first question. What is MVP?

What Is MVP?

A Minimum Viable Product or MVP is the representation of the simplest version of the future of the product. It contains enough features to live-test the product with a broader audience. The only purpose of MVP is to attract customers and take their feedback to improve the product further by gradually adding new functionalities and features.

All in all, MVP development allows you to make iterative improvements. There are some of the big companies that developed their MVPs and eventually took off:

  • Uber
  • Slack
  • Dropbox
  • Figma

Benefits Of MVP

If you still have a query about MVP vs Prototype, find the benefits of MVP and see if it fits your needs.

Benefits Of MVP 5

MVPs are useful when you want solid research on your product before entering into the market. It helps you assess the user behavior as well as overall interaction with the product.

Idea To MVP In 2 Weeks!!

Get Your MVP Developed In Just 2 Weeks With InvoZone At Low Cost.

Contact Us

 

Let’s define the prototype in the  Minimum Viable Product vs prototype discussion.

What Is A Prototype?

A prototype is developed to discover and communicate early-stage ideas or concepts. The main focus of prototyping is to visualize the design and functionality of the product to validate assumptions. Compared to MVP, the prototype might also have fewer features. Some of the big companies that started by developing prototypes are:

  • Facebook 
  • Airbnb
  • Google

Do you know?? 🤔

Apple creates early prototypes of its products prior to mass production.


The prototypes enable the companies to do early testing of their ideas before making significant investments. This leads to the development of more effective product development.

Benefits Of Prototypes

The prototypes are highly useful for iterative improvements, ultimately reducing the development risks. Some of the other top advantages of prototypes are given below in the infographic.

benefits of prototype

The prototypes can be expensive depending on their complexity, like the number of features you want. But honestly! Pay attention to every detail before you invest in anything. Also, you can reach out to companies to help and guide you.

Prototype Development In 10% Less Cost

Get Your Investors Onboard With Functional Prototype Developed In 10% Less Cost.

Talk To Us

Prototype vs MVP: Key Differences

The MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a functional version of the product with essential features for market testing. However, the prototype is a non-operational model to validate design ideas and secure feedback ahead of development. 

For a better understanding, here are some critical differences between the two.


Parameters


Prototype


MVP

Goal

Portrayal of look & functionality.

Provides a usable product with key features

Functionality

Less or no functionalities, mainly representation.

Minimal, most valuable product features.

Audience

Stakeholders, designers, investors & focus groups.

Early adopters, investors. 

Phase

Pre-development & design phase.

Early stages of development.

Duration

Weeks.

Months/Weeks (depending upon features).

User Interaction

High.

Maximum.

Revenue

To produce more investment (not for sale).

Can generate investment (sold to early adopters.

Risk Evaluation

Minimizes the risk of user dissatisfaction.

Decreases the risk of developing a product with no market. 

Use Case

Pitch the product idea.

To assess user feedback & to get funding.

 

If you want to validate your idea before presenting it to the investors, then you need a prototype and a strong pitch deck. While you can enter the market with MVP, PoC is also an option here. 

It is the Proof of Concept. Let us explain how PoC is different from MVP and Prototype.

MVP vs. Prototype vs. PoC: Key Differences

In just one statement, MVP is for testing market viability, and PoC is for proving the feasibility of the concept. In contrast, the prototype verifies the design concept.

  • The goal of PoC is to test the feasibility of the idea.
  • The PoC can be developed in just days.
  • The primary audience of PoC is researchers and developers.
  • Revenue generation is not the target of PoC.
  • User interaction is not the primary purpose of PoC.

PoC is particularly useful when a company wants to assess the practicality of a concept or idea. However, the eternal debate between PoC vs. Prototype vs. MVP has confused startups and enterprises. 

Below is the ultimate answer to when you might need an MVP or prototype.

🤔Get tips to validate your mobile app idea. Click here

Prototype vs MVP: When Do You Need An MVP?

You need an MVP when you are building a new product or introducing a new service. And you want to test its user response with minimum resources and investment.

The MVPs are beneficial for you to understand the market demand and users’ feedback. 

Do you know?? 🤔

66% of startups fail because they don’t understand market demands.


Next, let’s help you understand when you need a prototype.

Prototype vs MVP: When You Need A Prototype?

Well, in this discussion, prototype vs minimum viable product! You will need a prototype under the following conditions:

  • You want validation of concepts.
  • For evaluation of designs.
  • Testing of functionalities.
  • Iterative development.
  • Risk minimization.

Prototyping is crucial to defining your success, giving tangible representation to refine your ideas and designs. You can explore the loopholes at the early stage of ideas.

Do you know?🤔

35% of the startups fail because of a lack of market demand.

From all this discussion, it is safe to deduce that you might need a prototype and MVP at different phases of your business. Frankly, it also depends upon your budget or your willingness to spend. This brings us to the next point of discussion and the most significant cost.

Prototype vs MVP: Cost Comparison

The prototype or MVP development cost can vary depending on complexity, time, and resources. Logically speaking, they both have different time frames as well as costs. 

Considering that the MVP can be developed in two or three weeks, the complex ones can take months, whereas the price can range from $10K to $100K. 

In contrast, the time frame for the prototype development can be 2-3 weeks, whereas the cost can be $100- $150.

Interested In MVP Or Prototype Development?

Build Your Prototype Or MVP With InvoZone, As We Have Experience Dealing With 300+ Projects.

Share Your Idea

 If you have a budget but are still confused about which one is better for your business. Then let us explain this to you in an exact way.

Prototype vs MVP: Which Is Best For My Business?

If you have an idea and want to prove its feasibility, the point of Protype vs MVP is constantly bugging you. Then, choosing between Prototype and MVP depends upon your business objectives and stage of development. Let us put it simply for you!

Prototype 

A prototype is perfect if you have an idea and need its validation. With a minimum budget, fewer functionalities, including critical features. You can validate your idea, prove its utility, collect feedback, and plan resources. 

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Suppose you have received the validation of your idea but want to check the user's feedback. Then MVP is your best option with core features and functionalities included. It also helps attract early adopters; their feedback can help refine your product. You can reach out to companies providing MVP development services.

Wrapping Up

To summarize this discussion, the prototypes and MVPs are essential for validating the idea and can save you cost, time, and resources. But deciding which is best for you is crucial and challenging. 

The budget will also set up your priority in the battle of prototype vs. MVP. But you need an MVP when you are required to test your product or feature among real targeted users. 

However, if you want the validation of your idea and plan your finances, then a prototype is your best option. Also, remember that successful product development is often the combination of both MVP and prototype. Depending on the product development stage, you can use both in the same project at different phases.

Prototype Vs MVP: Still Confused? Let InvoZone Help You!!

Your idea is perfect and deserves to be transformed into a vision you have always wanted. 

We are the sculptors of perfect products that were the raw ideas of our clients. Our team of 500+ certified and trained professionals, including business analysts, project managers, and developers, are always available.  

Contact us to translate your concepts into reality.

MVP Development

Don’t Have Time To Read Now? Download It For Later.

You can set up your idea or product for failure if you cannot decide whether you need a prototype or MVP. The discussion of prototype vs MVP  is indeed crucial as well as challenging. However, the proper knowledge about both can save you from potential loss of money, clients, and time.

That’s why, for once and for all, we are going to tell you all about prototypes as well as MVPs —the critical difference between both and which one is best for you.  To get a general idea regarding this, check out the picture below. 

benefits of mvp

If you cannot truly understand, don’t worry; without any further delay, we are starting with the first question. What is MVP?

What Is MVP?

A Minimum Viable Product or MVP is the representation of the simplest version of the future of the product. It contains enough features to live-test the product with a broader audience. The only purpose of MVP is to attract customers and take their feedback to improve the product further by gradually adding new functionalities and features.

All in all, MVP development allows you to make iterative improvements. There are some of the big companies that developed their MVPs and eventually took off:

  • Uber
  • Slack
  • Dropbox
  • Figma

Benefits Of MVP

If you still have a query about MVP vs Prototype, find the benefits of MVP and see if it fits your needs.

Benefits Of MVP 5

MVPs are useful when you want solid research on your product before entering into the market. It helps you assess the user behavior as well as overall interaction with the product.

Idea To MVP In 2 Weeks!!

Get Your MVP Developed In Just 2 Weeks With InvoZone At Low Cost.

Contact Us

 

Let’s define the prototype in the  Minimum Viable Product vs prototype discussion.

What Is A Prototype?

A prototype is developed to discover and communicate early-stage ideas or concepts. The main focus of prototyping is to visualize the design and functionality of the product to validate assumptions. Compared to MVP, the prototype might also have fewer features. Some of the big companies that started by developing prototypes are:

  • Facebook 
  • Airbnb
  • Google

Do you know?? 🤔

Apple creates early prototypes of its products prior to mass production.


The prototypes enable the companies to do early testing of their ideas before making significant investments. This leads to the development of more effective product development.

Benefits Of Prototypes

The prototypes are highly useful for iterative improvements, ultimately reducing the development risks. Some of the other top advantages of prototypes are given below in the infographic.

benefits of prototype

The prototypes can be expensive depending on their complexity, like the number of features you want. But honestly! Pay attention to every detail before you invest in anything. Also, you can reach out to companies to help and guide you.

Prototype Development In 10% Less Cost

Get Your Investors Onboard With Functional Prototype Developed In 10% Less Cost.

Talk To Us

Prototype vs MVP: Key Differences

The MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a functional version of the product with essential features for market testing. However, the prototype is a non-operational model to validate design ideas and secure feedback ahead of development. 

For a better understanding, here are some critical differences between the two.


Parameters


Prototype


MVP

Goal

Portrayal of look & functionality.

Provides a usable product with key features

Functionality

Less or no functionalities, mainly representation.

Minimal, most valuable product features.

Audience

Stakeholders, designers, investors & focus groups.

Early adopters, investors. 

Phase

Pre-development & design phase.

Early stages of development.

Duration

Weeks.

Months/Weeks (depending upon features).

User Interaction

High.

Maximum.

Revenue

To produce more investment (not for sale).

Can generate investment (sold to early adopters.

Risk Evaluation

Minimizes the risk of user dissatisfaction.

Decreases the risk of developing a product with no market. 

Use Case

Pitch the product idea.

To assess user feedback & to get funding.

 

If you want to validate your idea before presenting it to the investors, then you need a prototype and a strong pitch deck. While you can enter the market with MVP, PoC is also an option here. 

It is the Proof of Concept. Let us explain how PoC is different from MVP and Prototype.

MVP vs. Prototype vs. PoC: Key Differences

In just one statement, MVP is for testing market viability, and PoC is for proving the feasibility of the concept. In contrast, the prototype verifies the design concept.

  • The goal of PoC is to test the feasibility of the idea.
  • The PoC can be developed in just days.
  • The primary audience of PoC is researchers and developers.
  • Revenue generation is not the target of PoC.
  • User interaction is not the primary purpose of PoC.

PoC is particularly useful when a company wants to assess the practicality of a concept or idea. However, the eternal debate between PoC vs. Prototype vs. MVP has confused startups and enterprises. 

Below is the ultimate answer to when you might need an MVP or prototype.

🤔Get tips to validate your mobile app idea. Click here

Prototype vs MVP: When Do You Need An MVP?

You need an MVP when you are building a new product or introducing a new service. And you want to test its user response with minimum resources and investment.

The MVPs are beneficial for you to understand the market demand and users’ feedback. 

Do you know?? 🤔

66% of startups fail because they don’t understand market demands.


Next, let’s help you understand when you need a prototype.

Prototype vs MVP: When You Need A Prototype?

Well, in this discussion, prototype vs minimum viable product! You will need a prototype under the following conditions:

  • You want validation of concepts.
  • For evaluation of designs.
  • Testing of functionalities.
  • Iterative development.
  • Risk minimization.

Prototyping is crucial to defining your success, giving tangible representation to refine your ideas and designs. You can explore the loopholes at the early stage of ideas.

Do you know?🤔

35% of the startups fail because of a lack of market demand.

From all this discussion, it is safe to deduce that you might need a prototype and MVP at different phases of your business. Frankly, it also depends upon your budget or your willingness to spend. This brings us to the next point of discussion and the most significant cost.

Prototype vs MVP: Cost Comparison

The prototype or MVP development cost can vary depending on complexity, time, and resources. Logically speaking, they both have different time frames as well as costs. 

Considering that the MVP can be developed in two or three weeks, the complex ones can take months, whereas the price can range from $10K to $100K. 

In contrast, the time frame for the prototype development can be 2-3 weeks, whereas the cost can be $100- $150.

Interested In MVP Or Prototype Development?

Build Your Prototype Or MVP With InvoZone, As We Have Experience Dealing With 300+ Projects.

Share Your Idea

 If you have a budget but are still confused about which one is better for your business. Then let us explain this to you in an exact way.

Prototype vs MVP: Which Is Best For My Business?

If you have an idea and want to prove its feasibility, the point of Protype vs MVP is constantly bugging you. Then, choosing between Prototype and MVP depends upon your business objectives and stage of development. Let us put it simply for you!

Prototype 

A prototype is perfect if you have an idea and need its validation. With a minimum budget, fewer functionalities, including critical features. You can validate your idea, prove its utility, collect feedback, and plan resources. 

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Suppose you have received the validation of your idea but want to check the user's feedback. Then MVP is your best option with core features and functionalities included. It also helps attract early adopters; their feedback can help refine your product. You can reach out to companies providing MVP development services.

Wrapping Up

To summarize this discussion, the prototypes and MVPs are essential for validating the idea and can save you cost, time, and resources. But deciding which is best for you is crucial and challenging. 

The budget will also set up your priority in the battle of prototype vs. MVP. But you need an MVP when you are required to test your product or feature among real targeted users. 

However, if you want the validation of your idea and plan your finances, then a prototype is your best option. Also, remember that successful product development is often the combination of both MVP and prototype. Depending on the product development stage, you can use both in the same project at different phases.

Prototype Vs MVP: Still Confused? Let InvoZone Help You!!

Your idea is perfect and deserves to be transformed into a vision you have always wanted. 

We are the sculptors of perfect products that were the raw ideas of our clients. Our team of 500+ certified and trained professionals, including business analysts, project managers, and developers, are always available.  

Contact us to translate your concepts into reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

01:01

How can Invozone help with MVP development?

icon

InvoZone has experience dealing with 300+ projects and has trained and certified a team of 500+ professionals. Helping startups and enterprises transform their ideas into reality. 

We have the best team of developers and business analysts available. Just tell us your idea, and we have got you covered.


02:02

In what scenario is an MVP more suitable for enterprise projects?

icon

When you quickly need to validate your idea of a feature, functionality, or product among your users. Then MVP is your best option when your resources are limited and you also want minimum risk within strict timelines.


03:03

How can enterprises effectively decide between pursuing a prototype or an MVP for their projects?

icon

The enterprises can decide between prototype vs MVP by keeping in view a few things, such as:

  • Business goals and objectives
  • Timelines and resources.
  • Finances and investments.
  • User feedback & core features.


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