Proof of Concept (PoC) Explanation in Software Development
Proof of concept (POC) in software development is essential for developing complex and costly projects. It gives a clear vision of whether the idea is decent and how to implement it better. Let’s find out more about POC technology and minimum viable product development services.
What’s a proof of concept in software development?
What is proof of concept? And is it the same as proof of principle?
POC, also known as proof of principle, is a term initially used in the scientific/technical world for proving and testing hypotheses to see if they could be implemented in the development of hardware and software. However, nowadays, it’s no longer limited to this field but is being expanded and applied to many different professions, such as film production, engineering, security, business, and beyond.
Today, POC stands for the test implementation of a software idea to be able to demonstrate if that idea is workable in practice. In other words, POC is a form of testing a method or idea to prove its feasibility. In real life, POC is often used to prove theories or hypotheses to see if they apply to life or affect people.
This way, proof of concept becomes a visual justification for why an idea is worth turning into a real functioning product and how it can get to market faster. A software proof of concept could refer to a new feature used in an existing company’s product, a product line extension, or a new product for startups, etc.
Thus, the proof of concept phase involves the preparation of a specific list of measurable criteria that allows you to evaluate the expected end result, which may be the production of any of the above-mentioned things.
Software proof of concept isn’t exactly what a typical proof of concept is for other products. They may serve different purposes.
A POC solution is usually required to show that the idea has some potential and is in demand. So, proof of concept in software development is particularly needed to confirm the solution to technical problems, find a specific answer to a functional question, or test newer features via proof of concept in software.
POC vs. MVP vs. Prototyping: Understanding the differences
When developing ideas for an existing product or expanding it, there’s a high risk of encountering unpredictable difficulties. This is why software development review and POC implementation are a common practice.
At the pre-product stage, a POC and a prototype are utilized, and only small to moderate investments are needed. With MVP development, you launch a product with the essential features and functionality to test the market’s reaction to your concept. More time and money must be spent on building an MVP than a POC or prototype.
TechMagic offers the following requirements data:
Some individuals believe that a prototype and a proof of concept are the same thing. Yet, a POC is more of a practical assessment of whether the product can be produced with the available technology, whereas prototyping entails actually producing a functional model with some limitations.
Actually, proof of concept is a broader concept that may or may not include MVP. An MVP often consists of a completely functional product. It contains comprehensive but basic features, though. A prototype, on the other hand, is a simulation of the software created to appear and feel like a genuine product. It lacks comprehensive features. Think about that.
Benefits of POC in software development
There is a range of advantages to investing in the lifecycle that begins with POC, progresses to prototype, and then finally reaches MVP. Appropriate idea testing is about testing the idea’s viability. It’s all about the purpose of creating an application from the POC stage through the prototype and MVP stages in the right way. POC’s meaning in software development is to reinforce the idea and help attract investment.
Assessing technical validity
Before spending money to construct something that was an idea into a product, a proof of concept POC model can assist in establishing whether it’s efficient at all. You can more effectively represent ideas and better understand how these ideas can become products by submitting a POC. Generally, POC design has a range of benefits for your business, and one of them is checking the idea, problem, and future product demand on the market.
Investment attraction
Each time a startup wants to scale and find funds, they use investment platforms and other tools to find prospects. Examples of proof of concept help entrepreneurs prepare an offer for investors, issue securities, receive funds for a project, and often sign an agreement with those who intend to invest in their business remotely after they check on the proof of concept.
Making rational budget decisions
When you determine the viability of a particular hypothesis or method for solving a problem before starting development, you spend less time on POC development in the end. Through a thorough check on the initial POC stages, you can estimate software development cost, compare it to possible outcomes, and avoid serious financial investments in the development of a product that has no market demand.
Speeding up market launch
Spending several months testing the viability of the concept is often an unaffordable luxury. While you’re testing your idea in practice, you will be surpassed by competitors who have done it in theory. To prevent this, use the POC method.
Preventing risks & growing your business
To stay alive, a business needs to constantly evolve. However, sometimes, the wrong idea, designed to dwell on development, can lead to unreasonably high financial investments and ruin your budget. To prevent this from happening, proof of concept in software development allows you to calculate at the initial stage how any innovation can turn out for your business, whether it’s introducing new technology in production or the creation of new software, etc.
How to create a POC
POC can be used in absolutely any field, from space or IT development to software proof of concept in project management or the creation of a new tourist product or sneaker model, etc. And, of course, testing new hypotheses in different business areas will involve a few different steps. However, the POC process in web design and development is more likely to look as follows:
Step 1: Understanding the need
A product idea is probably founded on assumptions when it first arises. This point is about recognizing actual problems that the program will resolve to obtain evidence to support these assumptions. You risk having a functional but useless tool if you neglect this step. Engage the target market in conversation to gather insightful feedback and pinpoint the requirements and problems you plan to address.
Answer the following questions to start:
- What are we attempting to accomplish? What’s the benefit added?
- What factors will determine whether the software product is successful?
- What time frame is it?
- What assets do we possess?
- What should the process look like?
- Is there an alternative solution?
Step 2: Understanding the requirements
You must clearly understand what exactly you are checking through POC software development. Which area of the business process changes is planned, what shortcomings it currently have, and what changes will arise after implementing the hypothesis. Remember that the right requirement definition may not ensure your success, but the wrong one will definitely guarantee failure.
Step 3: Ideate the right solution
Along with your development team, brainstorm potential fixes for the issues and pain points in your POC environment. These problems may be resolved in a variety of ways. Consider your financial and schedule constraints as you map out the answers. Also, consider competitors’ progress.
Step 4: Create proof of concept framework
When you pass over to the proof of concept software development, make a model of your future tool. Depending on the type of product, this could be a wireframe, a mockup, or a primitive sketch. It should show off the suggested workflow, desired features, and the fundamentals of UI/UX.
Step 5: Test it to gather user feedback
A prototype is made to display it to the target market and take feedback. In contrast to the other stages, which were mostly internal, this stage involves presenting POC to stakeholders and potential users to determine whether it has the functionality potential to be successful on the market as a full-fledged product design and development.
Step 6: Make a roadmap
Gather all the data you’ve obtained during the POC software engineering process in the final phase and record it in a roadmap. It should clearly convey the objectives as well as the step-by-step method for generating the best solution. Incorporate all the lessons learned and advice for enhancing top-notch software development.
Examples of proof of concept
Here are some POC examples to illustrate how to write a proof of concept proposal and show the new product features, processes, etc.
1. B2C Proof of concept Mobile App from GS1
The PoC retrieved data via the REST interface from the Gateway Service and rendered the XML-formatted data in a native Android user interface using a mobile app that included the Scandit mobile barcode scanner to scan barcodes (www.scandit.com).
An app key that was manually assigned a priori was utilized by the mobile app to access the Gateway Service. In an XML document, the Gateway Service returned data were formatted as key-value pairs. The user was given the returned information in a format resembling the typical nutritional panel found on items. The mobile app’s example screen images are displayed below.
Source: GS1 Proof of Concept Report
2. Another proof of concept technology for Dropbox
The idea was to create an explanatory film to test the waters. Making a video is probably not what comes to mind when thinking of a proof of concept. But that’s exactly what Dropbox did at the beginning of its operation. They sought to respond to the query, “Does this solution strike a chord with people?” And it really did.
Source: Dropbox
3. Gauge demand with a landing page for Buffer
You could choose to create a straightforward landing page or website to gauge demand if you’re not interested in posting your project on a website like Kickstarter. Several businesses, like Buffer Stories, carry out these pre-marketing activities before ever receiving full funding.
Source: Buffer Stories
Tools you need for creating POC
To create a quality prototype, you can use certain graphic design tools to make it flawless.
Figma is still one of the most recommended tools by UI designers. This is a program for prototyping GUIs, websites, and mobile applications.
You can also use tools like
These can help produce a proof of concept for mobile apps and other beautiful UX/UI concepts.
As Fireart has been a leader in software development for decades, the team possesses the knowledge and tools to take a client smoothly through all project stages.
Takeaways
Using POC in software development technology, you can avoid financial and reputational risks, assess the project feasibility and scale, refuse to implement dubious methods and solutions, and convince investors of the high potential of your development. It is one of the best practices in design thinking.
Note that you’ll find a clear structure for this method (and that suits your particular situation) in any business manual. The exact stages and steps of POC will vary depending on the scope of its application, and you’ll have to determine these stages yourself.
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Whether you have an idea or are aiming for the release of a full-fledged product, as one of the top web development companies, we can develop a proof of concept for a range of industries such as fintech, insurance, logistics, IoT, healthcare, and many more. Contact us today to discuss your needs and find the perfect solution.
