Proof of Concept vs Prototype vs Minimum Viable Product

A proof of concept could be mistaken for a prototype or minimum viable product because it addresses multiple aspects of software development. But each of these ideas is distinct and has a distinct function. In this article, let’s discuss the distinctions between an MVP, a prototype, and a proof of concept.

POC and MVP both require development and strong technical know-how, but creating a prototype might only need competent designers.

Proof of Concept vs Prototype vs Minimum Viable Product

What is Proof of Concept?

A proof of concept is an element of the project discovery phase, which is the initial stage of developing a product to determine how best to implement your idea and validate it. Checking if your intended functionality can be implemented with the selected technology stack is the main goal of the proof of concept. When developers meet challenges, they look for substitute resources or determine that the original concept is not workable.

What is a Prototype?

An early version of your software, created also in the discovery stage, is called a prototype. An application prototype is a tangible depiction of how the software will appear and function once it is complete. Typically, it consists of clickable screens that illustrate the relationships between the various app components and represent features. Stakeholders can see how visually appealing, interactive, and user-friendly the app will be by viewing a prototype.

What is Minimum Viable Product?

A functional application with a minimal feature set that satisfies the needs of the target audience is known as a minimum viable product. After the discovery stage, an MVP for startup development is produced, which consists of frontend and backend development along with quality assurance tasks. The initial version of your product that you make available to a large audience is known as an MVP. It isn’t the last one, though. Following the MVP launch, you should keep getting feedback from users and making changes. An MVP improves your chances of raising additional capital because it allows investors to see a workable solution and get to know the team behind it, which increases their confidence in the viability of the product.

Proof of Concept vs Prototype vs Minimum Viable Product:

Aspect	PoC	Prototype	Minimum Viable Product
Goal	Prove technically feasibility	Demostrate business concept	Validate an idea & find a product-market fir based on real end-user feedback.
Development Time	Days/weeks	Weeks	Months
Audience	Researchers, Developers	Stakeholders, Investers, Focus Groups.	Early adopters, Investors
Use Case	Test technical aspects	Fill gaps in a flow, pitch the product idea.	Look for a market fit by assessing user feedback, Get funding.
Risk Evaluation	Reduced risk of technical problems	Reduced risk of user dissatisfaction.	Reduced risk of building a product with no market.
Investment	Small budget	Medium budget	Well-defined budget
Revenue	Not for sale	Not for sale, Generates further investment	Sells to early adopters, Generate investment.
Further Use	Technical prototype or MVP development.	MVP development	Full-fledged product development

Conclusion:

While creating a proof of concept and prototype is optional, creating an MVP is generally advised for all startups. For example, you don’t have to create a PoC if the project doesn’t need feasibility testing. Prototyping is almost always advantageous for a startup, though it can be overkill in certain situations, such as very small projects.

FAQs on Proof of Concept vs Prototype vs Minimum Viable Product:

Can a prototype be a proof of concept?

A prototype demonstrates how a product, feature, or system will be developed, while a proof of concept demonstrates whether it can be developed at all. When a solution is hypothesized but its appearance, feel, and functionality are unknown, prototypes should be used. Pilot: usually the initial phase of a project.

Which comes first proof of concept or prototype?

To begin with, a proof of concept project is similar to a pre-prototype project. It is used to determine if a product can be implemented with specific functionalities and functionalities at the same time. Conversely, a prototype concentrates on the complete operation of every feature that is present.

Is a prototype an MVP?

Prototypes and MVPs, however, are not synonymous. Prototypes are used to test the viability of concept solutions. In contrast, MVPs are designed to assist innovators in determining whether or not a concept solution will be paid for by customers.

What is a proof of concept example?

Before fully launching a new service or product, a startup might, for instance, carry out a small-scale project to assess market demand and usability. Feedback and data gathering: A small-scale launch enables a startup to get firsthand input and information from users.

In which stage is a MVP created?

The initial phase of developing the first feasible (and marketable) version of your new business idea is referred to as the “minimum viable product,” or MVP for short.