How to create Proof of concept

Are you wondering what it takes to develop an app? It is a process that comprises very different phases, but there is one that you should not skip under any circumstances, as it can dictate the success or failure of your project.

That phase is the proof of concept. It is an initial learning stage that helps make core decisions regarding an app idea. 

Learn more about what proof of concept is, what it is not, and how you can create your own. 

What is Proof of Concept 

Proof of concept (PoC) is the process of evaluating whether an idea is viable and achievable and if it can be turned into a reality. It is an exercise that helps developers understand if the product can meet the client’s needs. At the same time, this demonstration allows us to identify potential blocking points and performance issues.

How is Proof of Concept Different from a Prototype or MVP

Whereas proof of concept should be the first step in your app development process, the MVP – minimal value product – is a few steps ahead. 

The MVP is closest to the final version of the product than PoC, which is only a theoretical demonstration. It is a market-ready, functional version of a product that shows at least part of the product’s core values. MVP developers are expected to create an already visually attractive, useful, and usable product to attract its first users. 

How to Conduct a Proof of Concept in 5 Steps

If you have decided to move forward with your app project, you will need to develop your proof of concept at once. Here are  crucial steps to conduct your PoC successfully:

Demonstrate the Need

Do users really need your app? Show them unequivocally that they do. Investigate the pain points of your potential audience, and if the issues you identify during this process prove to be relevant and worth solving, take the next step. 

Offer Solutions 

And by next step we mean offer solutions for the pain points of your target group. Get together with your team and brainstorm feasible approaches to solve the issues you identified in the previous stage. Show users how your app will be able to fix their problems. 

Ask for Feedback

Consult your target audience on the quality of your solutions. Ask them if the solutions you proposed are adequate and convenient. Test your ideas to make sure they are bulletproof. Do not be afraid to fail here. It is best to detect flaws early on before large investments come in. 

Cover Practical Details 

If you got here, it is because your solutions got approved, which means your getting closer to completing your project. From the user’s perspective, everything is working. Now it is time for you to go through the technical aspects on your end: think about the skills and capacities you need, revenue sources, pricing, and promotion of the final product. In short, consider the feasibility and financial sustainability of your solutions.

List the Learnings and Get Ready for Prototype

The point of the proof of concept is to learn as much as possible about what can make a product successful before investing in its development. Use this final stage to make a list of the learnings, study them one more time, and keep them close, as they will surely come in handy in the future steps and phases of the app development process.

Conclusion 

Proof of concept is a helpful tool to separate a meritless idea from a successful product. Do not let this step just be one more item on your checklist – skipping this process can put you in deep water.

Take your time evaluating your project, get all the help you can from the target group, and get that successful app in the market!