What about MVPs?
MVPs still matter. They just answer a later question.
A pretotype helps you test whether the idea deserves more investment. An MVP is the first real, working version once the team has enough evidence to build something useful for early adopters. That makes MVP a later-stage bridge, not one of the nine core pretotyping methods.
- Use pretotyping when the biggest risk is demand.
- Use prototyping when the biggest risk is feasibility or usability.
- Use an MVP when enough evidence says the idea deserves a first working version.
Worked example
The first version of the iPhone did not support cut-and-paste, offered a very limited number of apps, did not support notifications or Microsoft Exchange email, and required iTunes to activate. But people wanted it so much that they did not care about the missing functionality, a clear signal the idea deserved a first real version.
Start earlier
Before you commit to an MVP, prove the demand with one of the nine pretotyping methods. Test an idea free.