If you are planning to develop a mobile app, a Proof of Concept (POC), a Prototype, and a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) are three things you are going to need. Each of them plays a unique role in the application development process. By understanding what they mean and their differences, you can significantly improve the success of your mobile app development project.

In this blog, we'll look into what POC, Prototype, and MVP are and how they differ.

Proof of Concept (POC)

A POC is the first step in developing a mobile app. This is where you validate the feasibility of your app idea with your core business members and team. It is about answering one question: “Can it be done?” You test the waters to know where your idea stands before investing in it.

Key Characteristics of POC

Focused on Feasibility: A POC is a focused experiment done to check if your idea is possible to execute from a technical standpoint.

Quick and Inexpensive: The POC is a preliminary test and not a full-scale project. It keeps the cost and time investment low.

Risk Assessment: POC helps you identify potential risks early on in the process, saving a lot of resources in the long run.

Limited Functionality: A POC is a stripped-down version, including only a subset of the final product's features.

For example, if you are developing a social media app with a unique chat function, a POC will solely focus on testing the feasibility of the chat function.

Prototype

Once you have verified your concept with the POC, the next step is to create a prototype. A prototype is an advanced design of your app concept. It is basically the final version of your design with interactive elements. You get a realistic feel for how your app will function once it's developed.

Key Characteristics of Prototype

Design and User Experience: A prototype focuses on the look and feel of the app, allowing you to refine the UI if needed.

Interactive: Unlike POCs, a prototype is interactive, allowing you to use the app as if it's real.

Feedback Gathering: You can use the prototype to collect feedback regarding user preferences and identify potential usability issues.

Close to the Final Product: While a prototype is not the final product, it resembles it closely in terms of design and user experience.

Continuing the previous example, the prototype will involve wireframes and mockups of the app.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Developing an MVP is the next step in the development process. The MVP is a basic version of your app with the bare minimum features, designed to be used by actual users. Its primary goal is to test the app in real-world scenarios and gather feedback.

Key Characteristics of MVP

Minimal Yet Functional: The MVP includes the most important features that provide value to users. The rest of the features are added through updates.

User Testing: An MVP is released to a specific group of people to gather feedback and make improvements.

Market Testing: The MVP serves as a test in the real market to assess its viability.

Iterative Development: Additional features are added based on user feedback via regular updates.

For example, the MVP will include the chat feature from the POC and a refined interface from the prototype.

Get Your App Developed by WDI

If you want to develop a POC, prototype, MVP, or full-fledged mobile app, WDI has the right tools and technologies to get the job done. Our 20+ years of expertise and access to advanced AI technologies are the keys to successful mobile app development.

Contact WDI today to develop your app idea!