POC vs. MVP | What's the Difference?

In the world of product development, the terms Proof of Concept (POC) and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) are often used, but they serve different purposes and are used in distinct contexts. Understanding the differences between POC and MVP is crucial for making informed decisions about which approach to take at various stages of product development. This blog post will delve into these differences and provide guidance on when to choose POC versus MVP.

Proof of Concept (POC): Validating Feasibility

A Proof of Concept (POC) is a preliminary exercise to validate the feasibility of a specific concept or theory. The primary goal of a POC is to demonstrate that a certain idea can be turned into reality. It is typically used to validate assumptions and test the technical feasibility of a small feature set before committing to full-scale development.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Delivering Value Quickly

A Minimum Viable Product (MVP), on the other hand, is a fully functioning version of a product with just enough features to satisfy early adopters. The primary goal of an MVP is to accelerate value delivery, gather initial user feedback, and inform future development based on real-world use.

Key Characteristics of a POC vs. an MVP

	POC	MVP
Purpose/Scale	The POC focuses on validating assumptions and feasibility. It is not designed for scale or full functionality but rather for proving that the concept can work.	An MVP aims to deploy a fully functioning application that can deliver value to users while allowing for future enhancements and scalability.
Design	POCs often have low-fidelity designs that prioritize technical viability over polished interfaces. The emphasis is on functionality rather than user experience.	MVPs focus on delivering a complete user experience with polished interfaces to ensure usability and appeal.
Architecture & Scale	The architecture is not designed for scale, meaning the code and infrastructure will need to be refactored for production.	Designed for scale, ensuring that the architecture and code can grow with the application.
Data & Integrations	POCs use minimal data integration, often relying on sample data sets.	Full data models with necessary integrations, APIs, and automated workflows.
Security & Compliance	Built in a sandbox environment with minimal security and compliance considerations.	Fully compliant with client security and compliance requirements.
Documentation	Minimal documentation focused on validating a hypothesis rather than detailed product specifications.	Detailed product documentation to align all stakeholders on the vision, objectives, and requirements for a successful application.

When to Use a POC

A POC is ideal when there is uncertainty about whether the available data and technology can achieve the desired outcome. For example, the Umbrage team conducted a six-week POC to confirm that generative AI could be used to create personalized marketing materials from existing inputs. This step was crucial to ensure that the technology was viable for the intended use case before moving forward.

When to Use an MVP

An MVP is suitable when there is confidence in the data availability and the technology needed for the solution. For instance, the Umbrage team worked with an independent oil and gas company to kick off an eight-week Product Definition phase, followed by MVP development. This approach was chosen because the team was confident in the data and technology, allowing them to move directly into building and releasing a functional product.

Choosing Between POC and MVP

The choice between a POC and an MVP depends on several factors, including the level of uncertainty, the complexity of the technology, and the stage of the product development lifecycle.

Start with a POC when...	Start with an MVP when...
There is high uncertainty about the technical feasibility of the concept. You need to validate specific assumptions before committing to full development. The project involves emerging technologies or novel approaches that require initial testing.	The concept has already been validated, and you need to deliver a functional product quickly. You have confidence in the available data and technology. The goal is to gather user feedback and iterate based on real-world usage.

Conclusion

Both POCs and MVPs play crucial roles in product development, but they serve different purposes. By understanding the differences and knowing when to use each, product teams can make informed decisions that enhance the chances of success. Whether validating a concept with a POC or delivering a functional product with an MVP, choosing the right approach at the right time is key to building innovative and successful products.