Understanding MVP, Prototype, and Proof of Concept
Which One Do You Need for Your Big Idea?
For entrepreneurs with a million-pound idea, the journey from concept to execution involves strategic decisions. Among the most important is how to validate and develop the idea. This is where Proof of Concept (PoC), Prototype, and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) come into play. Each serves a unique purpose, addressing different stages of the product development process and lifecycle.
This guide will break down the distinctions, helping you determine which approach aligns best with your goals—whether it's refining your idea, proving feasibility, or attracting investment.
What is a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)?
An MVP is the simplest functional version of your product, designed to deliver core features to early adopters for feedback.
Key Characteristics
- Core Functionality: Focuses on essential features.
- Market Ready: Usable by customers, even if it's not polished.
- Feedback-Driven: Gathers real-world insights to inform future development.
Why MVPs Matter
“The MVP is not the end product; it’s the starting point for a conversation with your market.”
— Eric Ries, author of Lean Startup
MVPs help you:
- Validate your business idea with minimal investment.
- Attract investors by demonstrating market demand.
- Avoid wasting resources on unnecessary features.
What is a Prototype?
A prototype is a preliminary visualisation or model of your product, used to test design ideas and functionality.
Key Characteristics
- Non-Functional (Typically): Often focuses on appearance and navigation rather than backend operations.
- Iterative: Designed to evolve based on user feedback.
- Interactive Testing: Allows stakeholders to experience the concept.
Why Prototypes Matter
Prototypes help:
- Identify design flaws early.
- Gain stakeholder alignment.
- Test user interaction and experience.
Example
A clickable app demo built with tools like Figma or Adobe XD can simulate user journeys without needing a fully developed backend.
Develop your MVP with Decodifi when:
What is a Proof of Concept (PoC)?
A PoC is a small project designed to test the feasibility of an idea or technology.
Key Characteristics
- Technical Validation: Demonstrates that a concept can work in practice.
- Narrow Scope: Focuses on a single feature or challenge.
- Preliminary Step: Precedes development stages like prototyping or MVP creation.
Why PoCs Matter
PoCs are invaluable when:
- Exploring new technologies.
- Pitching to investors or partners to prove feasibility.
- Identifying technical constraints before investing in full development.
Comparing MVP, Prototype, and PoC
