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

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. 

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.

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.

 

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

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.

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 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.

 

If you want to validate your idea before presenting it to the investors, then you need a prototype. 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. 

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.

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.

 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.