A prototype is meant for internal testing and feedback. It focuses on demonstrating functionality and the user experience. The goal of a prototype is learning whereas an MVP helps validate ideas early in the market. Here are some key differences between those concepts:
- Prototypes don’t always look like real products and are often dummy models. MVPs are functional and solve real problems for real target audiences.
- Prototypes do not need actual code and are not meant for market release. MVPs use production-ready code to be tested by users.
- Prototypes focus on technical validation whereas MVPs focus on validating business hypotheses.
Overall, a prototype tests feasibility whereas an MVP tests actual product or market viability.