Proof of Concept vs. Prototype vs. MVP: Is It ‘Worth’ The Build? (2024)

As a startup, do you ever ask yourself: “How to validate my product idea, while not breaking the bank?” You might have heard about some methods to do so, most popular includes: Proof of Concept (POC), Prototype, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Each serves a unique purpose and fits different stages of development. In this article, we’ll lead you through these concepts from top to bottom. 

Let’s start!

What is a Proof of Concept (POC)? 

A Proof of Concept (POC) is a small-scale project used to test the feasibility of an idea. It demonstrates that a concept can work in practice before significant resources are invested. 

In a startup, a Proof of Concept (POC) typically occurs at the early stage. This stage is crucial for validating a new idea or technology, and what you’ll get out of this stage is a definitive "YES" or "NO" on the concept.

Key Components of a POC

• Objective: Clear goal of what needs to be proven.
• Scope: Focus on essential features.
• Resources: Basic tools and team.
• Evaluation Criteria: Metrics to measure success.

How to Build a POC?

Step 1. Define the Goal: Clearly state what you want to prove. This could be a technical capability or a new feature.

Step 2. Gather Resources: Assemble the necessary tools and team members. Keep it simple and focused.

Step 3. Develop a Small-Scale Model: Build a basic version of your idea. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just functional enough to test the concept.

Step 4. Test the Model: Run tests to see if your idea works as expected. This might involve simulations or real-world trials.

Step 5. Evaluate Results: Measure the outcomes against your criteria. Decide if the concept is viable based on the results. Startups need development tools like SDKs and IDEs, basic hardware, and a team of developers and experts to create a POC. 

They also require technical documentation on frameworks (such as Python, Java, or Ruby on Rails), testing environments, collaboration tools, and adequate funding to ensure the project is well-structured and feasible.

What is a Prototype?

A prototype is a working model of a product that demonstrates its features and functionality. It is used to test and refine the concept before full-scale production. 

Key Parts Of a Prototype

1. Design: Visual and functional representation of the product, often using CAD software for precision.
2. Functionality: Incorporates key features to test usability and performance.
3. Materials: Can range from simple materials like cardboard and plastic to advanced materials similar to the final product.
4. Feedback Mechanism: Tools and methods to collect user input and performance data for improvements, such as sensors, user surveys, and software analytics.

How to Build a Prototype?

Step 1. Sketch the Design: Create detailed drawings or digital models using CAD software to visualize the product.

Step 2. Select Materials: Choose appropriate materials for the prototype. Early stages might use simple, inexpensive materials, while later stages might use materials closer to the final product.

Step 3. Construct the Model: Assemble the prototype using the selected materials. Techniques might include 3D printing, CNC machining, or handcrafting.

Step 4. Test and Iterate: Conduct usability tests, collect feedback, and analyze performance. Use this data to refine the prototype, addressing any issues and making improvements.

Example

A software company might develop a prototype of a new mobile app to test its functionality and user experience. The team would start by creating wireframes and mockups to design the app's interface, usually done on Figma. 

Then, they would build a working model using programming languages and development tools like React Native or Flutter. 

This prototype would include essential features, allowing users to interact with it and provide feedback. The company would use this feedback to make necessary adjustments and improvements before developing the full version of the app.

What is a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)?

A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is the most basic version of a product that can be launched. It contains only essential features to attract early users and gather feedback for future development.

Main Components of Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

1. Core Features: Only the essential features needed to solve the main problem.
2. User Feedback: Mechanisms to collect feedback from early users.
3. Iterative Development: Continuous improvement based on user input.

How to Build an MVP?

Step 1: Determine the minimum set of features needed to solve the primary problem.  If developing a task management tool, core features might include task creation, assignment, and basic tracking.

Step 2: Build the product using agile development methods, focusing on these core features. Utilize programming languages and frameworks like JavaScript, Python, or Ruby on Rails.

Step 3: Release the MVP to a small group of target users and early adopters. Identify early adopters who are likely to provide valuable feedback.

Step 4: Gather user feedback through surveys, interviews, and analytics. Use tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or direct user surveys. For metrics, track user engagement, feature usage, and pain points.

Step 5: Use the feedback to make improvements and add features. Repeat the feedback loop until the product meets user needs and market standards.

Example

A software company might release an MVP of a new project management tool with basic task management, team collaboration, and reporting features. 

Early users would test these features and provide feedback, which the company would use to refine the product and add more advanced features over time.

For instance, the initial release might include just task creation and assignment, while later iterations could add file sharing, notifications, and integrations with other tools based on user feedback.

Key Differences Between POC vs. Prototype vs. MVP

A Proof of Concept (POC) is an early-stage project designed to test the feasibility of an idea. A POC is usually small-scale and doesn't include full functionality, but it proves that the idea is viable.

The goal of POC:  It focuses on demonstrating that a concept can be successfully implemented. 

A Prototype, on the other hand, is a working model of the product that showcases its design and key features. It is more detailed than a POC and often iterative, meaning they go through several versions based on feedback to improve functionality and design.

The goal of Prototype: It is used to refine the product through user testing and feedback.

A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a version of the product that includes the minimum essential features needed to be released to the market. Unlike a POC and prototype, an MVP is used to gather real user feedback and validate the product in a real-world environment.

The goal of MVP: Attract early adopters and learn from their usage to inform further development.

So, in a nutshell: 

• POC tests feasibility, 
• Prototype refines features and design, 
• MVP validates the product with actual users. 

These stages help startups develop and improve their products systematically, reducing risk and ensuring market fit.

Here’s a table to compare the three projects to give you a clearer evaluation:

How to Choose the Best Approach for Your Startup?

Choosing the right approach for your startup depends on your specific goals and constraints. If your goal is to prove technical feasibility, opt for a Proof of Concept (POC). It’s ideal for early-stage validation with minimal resources and time.

For refining design and functionality, go with a Prototype. This approach allows for iterative testing and feedback, making it perfect for mid-stage development. It requires a moderate budget and intermediate skills.

When ready to launch, choose a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This approach focuses on core features to test market viability. It involves a higher budget and advanced skills, but provides invaluable user feedback.

Consider your audience: POC for internal stakeholders, Prototype for select users, and MVP for early adopters. Assess your resources, development stage, and risk management to ensure you choose the most effective approach for your startup.

Do You Always Need To Code Your POC, Prototype, Or MVP?

Well, not always. Coding your POC, Prototype, or MVP pretty much depends on the project's nature and goals. 

For a POC, sometimes a detailed simulation, mockup, or even a well-documented research paper is enough to demonstrate feasibility. If you need to demonstrate technical aspects, however, such as proving a specific technology or algorithm works, that’s when coding is a must.

Prototypes often require some coding, especially for digital products, but low-fidelity prototypes can be built using tools like wireframes, sketches, or mockup software without extensive coding.

An MVP generally needs coding to build a functional product. But even here, no-code MVPs or low-code platforms can sometimes be used to create a basic version quickly. The key is to choose the approach that best validates your concept efficiently and effectively.

The Summary

Selecting the right approach—Proof of Concept (POC) vs. Prototype vs. MVP—depends on your specific needs and constraints. Carefully considering your goals, resources, audience, development stage, and risk management, you can choose the most effective strategy for your startup’s success.

Ready to take your startup to the next level? Partner with Golden Owl to create a compelling POC that captivates investors and paves the way for your success. Contact us today for expert guidance and support!

FAQs on Proof of Concept vs. Prototype vs. MVP   

Q1. What is the difference between Proof of concept, prototype, and MVP?

A Proof of Concept (POC) shows if an idea is possible, a Prototype tests the design and function, and a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a basic version released to get user feedback.

Q2. What comes first, Proof of concept or prototype?

Proof of Concept (POC) comes first. It is used to validate the technical feasibility of an idea before investing in developing a Prototype. The Prototype is built after the POC to refine the product’s design and functionality through user testing.