I have a project and I want to quickly test the market with a functional version. However, some say "first create a simple prototype, then move to MVP," while others suggest "just develop the MVP, it will be enough for you." Based on your experience, which one is more strategic to start with? Why?
Prototype vs MVP: Which one makes more sense to start with?
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I remember a project where I jumped straight into an MVP without going through a prototype. It was for a team task management app targeting freelancers. My first instinct? A landing page with a signup form and a promise: *"Organize your projects in 5 minutes, try it for free."* We launched it in two weeks with just the essentials: task creation, a basic calendar, and a comment system.
The result? Super concrete feedback: users clicked everywhere except our "Create a Task" button. Within three days, we had all the data needed to adjust workflows and priorities. The final outcome? An app that truly met a need without wasting months on a rigid prototype. That said, be careful if your product relies on complex tech or highly innovative UX—there, a prototype can save you from a total disaster. But for pure "test & learn," the MVP is your best ally.