Prototype vs MVP vs Proof of Concept: Differences

In today's market, companies focus on prototypes, Proof of Concept (PoC), and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test their product idea. They do this before investing in full-scale development. This helps them validate their product idea and make sure it will succeed before spending a lot of money.

These steps help businesses check if ideas can work and if products fit the market. A Proof of Concept (PoC) shows if a concept is possible. A prototype shapes the product design and how customers use it. The MVP focuses on core features, allowing you to get feedback from potential users and improve the final product step-by-step.

Pre-project Preparation

The work on each project involves several stages of development. Preparation, in the form of analyzing the market and your operation, plays an essential role. Here is what you need to do before project initiation:

• Consider your company's current situation, identify vulnerabilities, and what can be improved. At the same time, determine what you can get rid of.
• Study your competitors and what they offer to the audience. Pay attention to the strategies they use. Identify what makes them successful and desirable among clients.
• Conduct surveys of your loyal customers about what they lack in your service and what they would like to have.

Thanks to the collected data, you can already form the basic idea and concept of your project and outline the goals you want to achieve with it.

Proof of Concept (PoC)

A Proof of Concept (PoC) is the first step to check if your product idea is possible. It's a low-cost stage where you can see if your solution can work without spending a lot of resources. For example, if you're working on a mobile app, a PoC tests the app's backend to check if it can handle certain features. This stage isn't about design or core functions but shows if the idea is worth developing further.

Prototype

Once the PoC shows the idea is possible, the next stage is the prototype. A prototype is made to let stakeholders see and interact with the product. This design phase focuses on the main features and how users will use them.

In web development, the prototype lets the team test and refine user flows and core features. This helps improve the product before the full development process. It's also great for testing the user journey and ensuring the product meets best design and usability standards.

Read also: MVP vs Beta-version: What is the Difference?

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

An MVP is the first version of the product ready for use by real people. It has only the most important features needed to test if the product fits the market. This stage lets you gather useful feedback, which can be used to improve the product.

In MVP development , you focus on the basic product that solves users' issues and stands out. This is a starting point for the final product, which can be improved based on real-world data. Companies like Airbnb and Dropbox used this approach when they started.

An MVP lets businesses test market demand with a basic version of the product that only has essential features. For example:

• Dropbox began with a basic prototype showing how to share files. Then they expanded the product based on what users said they wanted.
• Airbnb started with simple rental services. The goal of an MVP is not to create a perfect product but to make a usable product that allows you to gather insights and improve based on real-world data.

The Importance of Each Stage in Product Development

71% of IT project development companies require a discovery phase before tackling the project. Each stage of product development is important:

• Proof of Concept (PoC): Helps test the technical feasibility.
• Prototype: Refines the product design.
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Gathers feedback for further improvements.

This process allows companies to streamline development and increase their chances of market success.

Read also Common Mistakes to Avoid when Building MVP

Why a Structured Process is Key

Whether you're working on a mobile app or a new web platform, a structured process is key to delivering a high-quality product that users love. Careful planning and following a clear process ensures that the final product meets users' needs. This structured approach is vital for creating a product that people enjoy using.

Start your journey with SDH's help. We can develop your MVP, validate your concept, and innovate your software. Let us take your idea and make it a successful market release.

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