MVP or Prototype: The right one for idea validation

Every startup faces a question initially: Is the business idea good enough, and shall this be taken further to work on? 

One thing involved in product development is testing the ideas and assumptions that are important for finding the right market fit. MVP and prototype development, as well, may seem like solving a similar kind of purpose, but in reality, they differ in a lot of ways.

The key difference

Both MVP and Prototype development are sometimes used interchangeably, but they differ a lot and are meant to resolve different challenges. 

So, the critical difference is that we build a prototype to test the idea, while an MVP is used to test the product and its functionalities. 

A prototype is just a draft and can stay far from perfection, MVP, on the other hand, needs to be more accurate as it is a customer-facing version of the idea. 

When to use: MVP Vs Prototype

Once the idea is approved, the MVP stands right to enter the testing phase. The criteria for testing include performance, features, and observing the market reactions. It may turn difficult to step back in case your idea needs changes in an intended time frame. 

• The costing part explains better as you're not tied down with the initial concept of the idea when it comes to a prototype whereas the more complex MVP you need, the more will be the sum of money to be paid wherein a prototype will fit to budget in every regard.

• Costing lookover may second the fact that MVP should only be used when the Idea has already been approved and the product is at the stage where initial development has been done. Comparatively, a prototype will give you the chance to test your target audience in an affordable manner. 

Conclusion

Even though MVP and prototype development Services seem similar, only one of them is well suited for idea validation. 

A prototype should be used to verify and test your ideas, whereas an MVP should only be used once you are confirmed with the credibility of the idea. MVP involves much more investment and effort and a prototype, on the other hand, needs not to be too complex and functional, hence it makes a great choice for verifying your ideas.  When comparing the minimum viable product and the prototype, we can see that they are both effective methods for validating and verifying your startup's assumptions. Each method is important in the development process since it defines what and how to build. In the design flow, however, they have different objectives. Build a minimum viable product if you need to confirm your assumptions about the product's worth before releasing it to the market.