Disclaimer: A POC is a fast theoretical test of an idea, whereas an MVP is a ready-made solution with core functionality that is aimed to gather feedback and assess the product’s potential.

In the conditions of fierce competition, business owners can’t afford failures. After you have come up with a brilliant idea, it is good to check the viability of it before heading off to a complete development process and the first release. Creating an MVP is an excellent opportunity to test the core functionality of the final product and determine whether it can alleviate the pains of potential customers. We have touched upon the topic of creating an MVP in our blog. However, there are many other different stages on the way to a complete product. One of them is the proof of concept (POC). In this article, we will figure out the difference between the POC and MVP and see how useful they can be on the way to success.

What is a Proof of Concept?

A proof of concept is a quick test of the main feature to check if it is technically possible to develop and implement it. It is usually done in the process of integral testing. If the project under development is complex, there might be several POSs to check each of the features independently. For example, if you are planning to create an application for a product delivery service, you may first try to place an offer for your service online and see if there will be orders.

A proof of concept answers the following questions:

• Do people need my product?
• How many resources will I need to develop it?
• Is the project appealing to investors?

Therefore, a proof of concept provides developers with theoretical knowledge about the future project and serves as a preliminary preparation for the full development cycle.

What is a Minimum Viable Product?

Surfing our blog, you will find an article with a detailed description of an MVP and its purposes. In a nutshell, a minimum viable product is a working prototype of the project. It comprises the core functionality of the solution, a complete user interface design, and an elaborate user experience. Thus, it may exist as a separate product that generates income and customers’ feedback. The difference between an MVP and full development is that it includes only the main features and therefore requires less budget and time. In the product development process, additional functionality is added, the front end is carefully aligned with the back end, and the final design is implemented, so it is usually a much longer process.

Here is a nice picture illustrating what an MVP is:

POC vs MVP: how to choose the best approach?

You select the best option depending on what results you are looking for. If you need a quick test of whether your product will be in demand in the market, checking a POC is for you. If you are looking for deeper feedback on the viability of the core functionality, then opt for an MVP.

ITSDev offers various services in terms of product development. MVP development is one of them. It includes the following steps:

1. Product idea
   At this stage, preparatory work is performed. It is important to conduct market research, analyze the competitors, and outline the portrait of the target audience. Planning the architecture and available features also occurs, allowing you to anticipate the needed resources and establish early timelines.
2. Design and prototyping
   During this stage, the main functionality and the simplified design of the product become visible. A proof of concept is implemented to assess the idea and understand if it is viable. It is also possible to demonstrate the solution to investors and arouse an initial interest in them.
3. Full MVP
   This is the main part of development before the first release. The prototype is finalized with the required functionality to have an independent and fully operational solution. All the details are taken into account as the first feedback is crucial and should be objective. It will predetermine the following iteration processes.

Conclusion

On the way to success, it is important to stop and assess the results to make sure you are heading in the right direction. Proof of concept, prototype, and minimal viable product are helpful assistants there. Testing every step in the development process guarantees a clear vision and prevents you from losing valuable resources. Please contact our staff if you are interested in producing an MVP or if there are any remaining concerns. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

FAQ

1. Why do you need a proof of concept?
   A proof of concept helps to understand if the idea of your business will be in demand. It is a quick theoretical test of the core functionality.
2. Why do you need an MVP?
   A minimum viable product is a turnkey product that contains the core functionality of the final solution. It is ready for release and provides developers with vital information about the potential of the product.
3. What is the difference between MVP and POC?
   An MVP is a fully-fledged product, while a POC is the process of testing the idea of a future product.