Proof of Concept (PoC) in app development is a preliminary stage where developers create a small-scale version of an application to validate its feasibility and demonstrate key concepts. It aims to prove that the core functionalities and ideas behind the app are viable before investing significant resources in full-scale development, providing valuable insights into the project’s potential success.
Contrary to what some people think, app development is not always a straightforward process. Sometimes you have an idea but aren’t sure it will work or lead to the results you are looking for. In such cases, you need to test it before going into the design phase which leads to the creation of the minimum viable product. This is the role that a proof of concept plays in app development.
What is a Proof of Concept
A proof of concept is a process used to demonstrate the feasibility of an idea or method to prove that it and the technologies used to bring it to life work.
Proof of concept is usually part of the app development process. A mobile app development agency might want to, first, work on this smaller project, validate it, and ensure it is worth developing the minimum viable product.
A proof of concept has two main purposes. The first one is to validate a concept so a team can see if it is worth investing in. Second, is to explore various solutions to find the best one to use to bring the idea to life.
Critical Ideas and Functions
The proof of concept only tests critical ideas and functions, with the results of such tests not necessarily used in future development. Mobile app developers in the UK will typically ignore minor aspects since the goal is to ensure the main concept works for long enough to help them decide if their idea is viable.
Situations Where Proof of Concept Thrives
Proof of concept works best in situations where your idea is not new or is derivative of another idea. Such ideas do not need proof of concept because other app developers and businesses have already proven their viability.
Where proof of concept thrives is where a business or individual works with an app design agency on unusual, rarely encountered or unencountered situations.
Where Proof of Concept Fits In
To put everything into context, a proof of concept comes after the design phase and just before an app developer starts the development phase. Up to this point, companies that handle app development in London will have everything required to showcase the project’s concept including wireframes and mock-ups. These assets help the team know where the project is headed.
The proof of concept is the first step in the technical development and implementation of the idea. It helps demonstrate whether the project is worth doing and therefore sits between the design and development phases of app development.
If it works, it becomes an important starting point for the development process. Once the idea is validated and the proof of concept works, app development UK companies will decide on the best technology stack to use to build the app and get started on it. The best mobile app developers in London can keep your idea in mind when developing your mobile app so you end up with exactly what you envisioned.
A proof of concept is critical when going into unexplored territories or breaking new ground as it helps test whether the idea you have is viable. It can also save you time, money and effort if the idea you have will not work, and it can lead you to come up with a better idea.
