A Proof of Concept (POC) is a method employed to gather evidence supporting the viability of a project, system, or idea.  It tests and showcases whether abstract concepts and their end products would work and thrive in the real world. The validation scope of a POC can vary from documentation to simulated user experiences.

POCs vs prototypes

POCs and prototypes are often confused with each other. While a POC and a prototype share common functions and advantages, they are distinct tools. Though both are utilized pre-development to validate apps, websites, and other digital assets, their usage differs significantly.

A POC primarily tests the technical feasibility of an idea, often presented through documentation or presentations. Essentially, it is an endeavor to assess assumptions or explore the potential of an idea without the immediate need to create a final product.

On the other hand, a prototype is a physical representation of an idea or product, manifesting as tangible outputs such as sketches, app designs, engineering models, or even an app mockup. Prototypes focus mainly on testing the built product to gauge user sentiment or feedback.

For more insights, check out this article comparing POCs and prototypes.

Benefits of building POCs

In the context of web or mobile app development, a POC is internally utilized by product teams and organizations for:

• Evaluating technical feasibility. A POC provides confidence to app publishers that potential technologies can meet specific requirements before committing resources to full-scale development. Otherwise, excessive troubleshooting and firefighting during the development phase can cost time and money for both developers and their clients.
• Proving practical viability. It is instrumental in validating the effectiveness of an idea or solution with stakeholders, offering insights into the expected performance and value of the final product. This ensures that outcomes meet expectations for all parties involved in the app or website development process.
• Securing seed funding. A successful POC can be a potent tool for obtaining initial funding by demonstrating technical feasibility and practical viability. Securing financing through POCs ensures developers and businesses don’t spend too much money creating digital assets.