PoC vs Prototype vs MVP: Choosing The Right Product Validation Method For Your Mobile App Idea

When an idea is born, it exists in a vacuum. It is unaffected by anything external. It is similar to a theory that works only in a controlled or ideal environment. But once you decide to actualize your idea and convert it into a product, you enter the real world. And the real world comes with challenges. You might encounter feasibility issues as you try to develop your product. You might realize that it is far from economical to build. More devastatingly you might end up realizing that not enough people need your product. 

Product validation prevents the above scenario from playing out. This blog discusses three key product validation methods. We seek to dissect the distinctions and nuances surrounding PoCs, prototypes, and MVPs.

Product Validation – A Crucial Step in the Mobile App Development Process

Product validation is the process by which a product idea is validated. The idea is tested and its feasibility, popularity, and viability are tested. 

You can draw up a flowchart of how things will work in your app. Or you can create a framework to visualize your app. Or you can create a bare-bone version of your product and test it. Any of these methods can validate your product idea. 

Why is it Important?

You could call it concept validation, idea validation, or product validation. Whatever you choose to call it, it remains a critical step in app development. Why? Because an idea cannot always prove a success. Your idea might be world-changing but if it is not feasible, you stand to gain nothing from it. We are sorry if we are not mincing words here. But the hard truth must be accepted. 

Ultimately, product validation can:

• Save time
• Save money
• Visualize the product
• Mitigate risks
• Assess popularity
• Pivot, if needed

3 Ways to Validate Your Product – PoC vs Prototype vs MVP

There are three common methods that you can use for product validation. 

1. Proof of Concept (PoC) 
2. Prototype
3. Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

An experienced MVP development company in Dubai often uses these techniques to gauge an idea’s feasibility and market demand.

1. PoC

Does the term ‘Proof of Concept’ suggest something to you? A PoC ‘proves’ the feasibility of a concept. Confused? Let me explain. A proof of concept helps you determine if the mobile app you are planning to develop is feasible. It answers questions like, ‘Can it work?’, ‘Is it practical?’, and ‘Can it be done?’. 

Example – Suppose you are developing a game, kind of like Super Mario. The PoC for your app will focus on the basic mechanics. The PoC will have a single very basic character (could be a box instead of a character) that can jump and walk. The aim of the PoC will be to test the core mechanics, like jumping. There would be no backdrops, character designs, sound effects, or complex animations.

From the above example, what do you think is the benefit of a PoC? 

The PoC effectively tests the core mechanics of the game. Can this be done? Are the mechanics feasible? Can it be made into a working model? These are the questions that will be answered. 

2. Prototype

The next method of product validation is a prototype. A prototype is a skeleton or framework of your mobile app idea. It allows a mobile app development company to test the design and visualize the product. 

Example – Going with the previous example, you are building a prototype of your game. The prototype will help you get a sense of how the game will feel. In other words, you get to visualize the game flow. You get a basic character and perhaps a basic goal like an exit gate. The backend of the game will not be fully functional but the prototype is enough to get the general feel of the gameplay. You get simple animation and even a basic backdrop.

From the above example, what do you think is the benefit of the prototype? 

The prototype effectively tests the user flow and it helps you visualize the game. While the PoC tested the core mechanics, the prototype tested the look and feel of the game.

3. MVP

The next method of product validation is an MVP. An MVP is a functional yet basic version of your final product. Moreover, it is the only version among these that can potentially help you generate revenue. And MVP development costs are also often low.

Example – Going with the previous example, you are building an MVP of your game. The MVP will be a functional game with all the core features. It will have a fully animated main character and multiple animations like walking, jumping, ducking, etc. A set of levels would be there, each of varying difficulty. In other words, you have a game that can be released to a select customer base. 

From the above example, what do you think is the benefit of the MVP? 

The MVP effectively tests the core features of the game. Moreover, you can gather user feedback by releasing it to a customer base. Ultimately by availing MVP development services, you get to validate your idea, test its viability in the market, and establish a presence while minimizing costs. 

 PoC vs Prototype vs MVP

To provide a clearer understanding, here is a table comparing the differences between a PoC, a prototype, and an MVP.

PoC	Prototype	MVP
Purpose – To test the core mechanics or technology.	Purpose – To test the design and UI/UX of a product.	Purpose – To validate the market demand and core idea of the product.
Little to no functionality.	Very limited functionality focused on the look and feel.	Basic functionality although with limited features.
Minimal or no integration with backend systems.	Minimal or no integration with backend systems.	Full integration with the backend systems that support core functions.
Tested internally by technical team members.	Tested with a smaller, controlled group.	Tested with a broad audience to gather real-world feedback.
The test group is usually developers and technical experts.	The test group is usually designers, developers, and stakeholders.	The test group is early adopters and real users.
Development time is very short.	Development time is shorter.	Development time is comparatively longer.
Usually discarded after proving feasibility.	Usually discarded after testing the design.	Often becomes the foundation for further iterations.

Our Take

Discussions centered around phrases like ‘MVP v/s prototype’ or ‘MVP v/s PoC’ are irrelevant. It creates more questions than answers. The truth is that each of these methods plays a similar yet separate role in product validation. Understanding when to use each one is what separates a polished app from one that fails to gain traction. Any established mobile app development company in Dubai can tell you that the golden rule is to integrate all these approaches strategically.

Whether it’s a PoC for feasibility, a prototype for user flow, or an MVP for market readiness, each step is indispensable. So choose your product validation method according to the current stage of your idea.