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December 17, 2024

Test your idea with MVP development and bring it to market quickly

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about MVPs (Minimum Viable Products): Definition, advantages and differences to MMP, Prototype and Full Product.

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Improving new processes or digital products or developing them from scratch is often associated with a great deal of uncertainty. There is often no market-ready solution that exactly meets the requirements, which is why it can make more sense to take the development into your own hands. However, before all resources are invested in the development of a complete end product, it is worth testing the idea at an early stage and obtaining real user feedback. This helps to steer development in a targeted manner and saves time and resources.

It becomes challenging when internal capacities for such a test run are lacking and the budget is limited. A minimum viable product (MVP) offers an elegant solution here: by developing an MVP, the idea can be brought to market quickly and cost-effectively, tested and iteratively improved. This creates a product based on real user data that is refined step by step before extensive investments are made. 

But what exactly is MVP software and what advantages does it have? What is the difference between an MVP and a prototype? What is the difference between an MVP and a full product? What is an MMP? We answer your questions in this article.

Definition MVP What is a minimum viable product?

A minimum viable product (MVP) is a simplified version of a product that is developed with the minimum necessary functions in order to test the basic idea on the market as quickly as possible and collect feedback from real users. It focuses on the core functionality in order to test market acceptance and find out at an early stage whether the product idea appeals to the target group and actually solves the defined problems. In this way, costly misguided developments can be avoided and further development can be driven forward while conserving resources.

What advantages does an MVP offer?

Time and budget efficiency

The development process of an MVP is resource-efficient.

Early feedback

MVPs offer the opportunity to validate user needs through real feedback.

Iterative improvement

Step-by-step improvements can be made to the MVP based on user feedback. This promotes an agile development approach and makes it possible to continuously optimize the product.

Speed and flexibility

MVPs make it possible to adapt products to changing market conditions and new customer requirements much more quickly and effectively.

Clarity in the confusing terminology What is the difference between Prototype, MVP, MMP and Full Product?

How does an MVP differ from a prototype? What exactly is the Minimum Marketable Product (MMP) that follows the MVP? What is the relationship between the MVP and the full product? In the following table, we answer your questions, clarify the differences between these terms and provide more clarity in the often confusing jungle of terms in product development.


PrototypeMVP(Minimum Viable Product)MMP (Minimum Marketable Product)Full Product
Definition
Early design version, for concept visualization
Minimum viable product with basic functionsProduct with more functionsComplete, scalable product with full range of functions
MarketcapabilityNot available - only for visualization, not saleableUsable, saleable basic product for market validationMarketable product with extended functionsFully marketable, scalable product

Features
Basic features for idea validation internallyExtended basic features to validate the concept with usersMore comprehensive but still limited features
Complete range of features 
In FocusVisualization and early validation through internal feedback Visualization and hypothesis testing through customer feedback with minimal effortMaximizing business value with minimal features Long-term market success through scalability and market orientation

Conclusion An MVP as an effective path to success

A minimum viable product (MVP) offers companies a solid basis for bringing their product ideas to market in a targeted and resource-efficient manner. The iterative development of an MVP and testing with real users creates a validated product concept that shows whether demand actually exists. User feedback shows at an early stage which functions are well received, which need to be improved and which are superfluous. This helps to avoid costly undesirable developments and provides valuable insights for further development. An MVP not only helps to test market opportunities at an early stage, but also to adapt flexibly to changes and strengthen customer loyalty and market positioning in the long term.

makandra as an experienced partner for MVP development

We at makandra are happy to support you in transforming your idea into a successful MVP and thus laying the foundation for future product development. Take advantage of a well thought-out MVP process to respond quickly and efficiently to your customers' needs.

Do you want to get started with an MVP?
We would be happy to support you in optimizing existing processes or products or developing a new digital product. You can find more information about our MVP services and a contact form here.
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