MVPs vs. prototypes and beta releases

MVPs, prototypes, and beta releases often get confused, yet they serve different roles in product development. Understanding these differences helps teams design with purpose.

A prototype is a model of an idea, which may be a sketch, wireframe, or clickable mockup. It tests structure and flow, but it is not a fully working product. A beta release, on the other hand, is a nearly complete product given to a limited group of users to find bugs and check stability before a full launch.^[1]

The MVP sits between these two. It is not polished or feature-rich, but it is functional. Its purpose is to test whether the product delivers real value with a minimal set of features. A file-sharing MVP, for example, might only allow uploading and downloading, while more advanced options are left for later. This lean approach makes validation possible without building too much too soon.