Just like everybody else, you begin your software product with a great idea, and your research is also complete. But is that enough to validate its future success and consider it worth pursuing? Probably, no!

When it comes to launching a software product, it depends on three things: 

• Demand
• Unique value 
• Right fit in the market 

Each of the three is important to avoid product failure. So, idea validation is not an option — it’s a necessity!

This is where terms like Proof of Concept (PoC) and prototype come in. True, both these terms are familiar, which is why they are often confused. So, let’s clarify each of the two approaches and understand how they play a role in validating your product. 

PoC vs Prototype: The Basics

As stated, both PoC and prototype are terms related to the validation of the idea. 

Proof-of-Concept

When deciding to pursue your business idea, you need to know: Is this idea even possible? That’s where the proof of concept comes in.

A POC is an approach that lets you validate the feasibility of your new product ideas. It’s the simplest, quickest way to check the core idea. It is now one of the most efficient and accurate methods of testing the fundamental assumptions inherent in your idea.

Note: A PoC is not the simplified or the minimal version of your product. It is simply a standalone project that validates your concept’s potential to succeed in the future.

Example 

• Porsche Holding ran an Azure-based POC in early 2020 to test connectivity solutions before fully adopting the platform. 

• Before developing the full product, Dropbox introduced a Proof of Concept through a short explainer video. The video highlighted the main features of file sharing and storage, allowing the team to measure user interest and confirm the idea’s potential as a simpler alternative to sending large files through email. 

Prototype 

Once you know your idea has potential and can work, what you ask is: how will it look and feel to someone using it? That’s when a prototype takes center stage.

A prototype is a real-time visual representation of your core idea. It’s a rough version you can hold, click through, or swipe on. A prototype focuses on the user interface and user experience, giving the stakeholders something to witness the final product.

Prototypes range from low-fidelity sketches, essentially like wireframes, to high-fidelity interactive models created using prototyping tools. Moreover, they are iterative, letting you and your teams make changes per the real-time feedback.

Note: A prototype is not the final product. It is just a first draft of your idea that looks and acts like a product to let people feel how it works.

Example 

“The Facebook” was the prototype of the present-day Facebook. The former was just a simpler version of the platform with basic features like user profiles and friend connections. It was helpful in gathering feedback prior to the proper development and expansion of Facebook. 

Prototype vs PoC: Key Differences 

Let’s continue exploring the key differences between the two approaches to validating your business idea.

1. Goal 

PoC: The goal of this approach is the validation of an idea — whether it is technically achievable or not. The PoC serves as an answer to your question of whether your resources and technology are good enough to bring life to your business idea or not.

Prototype: In contrast, a prototype focuses on visualizing the idea. Here, the goal is to show the product’s look, feel, and function from the user’s perspective. This allows the stakeholders to explore design and usability early on.

2. Audience 

PoC: Speaking of a PoC, the audience is usually the internal team – your engineers, product managers, stakeholders, or even the investors. This gives confidence in the feasibility of the idea, motivating you to pursue it.

Prototype: Here, the audience is comparatively broad. The user base is inclusive of stakeholders, clients, and potential users who can interact with the design and give feedback on various aspects.

3. Output 

PoC: A PoC often has a minimal output that is also functional. It may be in the form of a demo, a technical script, or a small project-based experiment. Each of these is designed to prove the capability of the idea.

Prototype: A prototype has a much more user-oriented output. It can be in the form of a clickable mockup, wireframe, or design simulation. These are built using tools like Figma or InVision, which enable teams to test the user journey before writing full code.

4. Timeline 

PoC: PoCs are short-term, stand-alone projects that are often completed within days or weeks. Once they answer the technical feasibility question, they are usually set aside.

Prototype: Prototypes are iterative and may go through multiple revisions. Based on the feedback, the teams refine designs. Prototypes remain in use in the early and the later stages of the application development lifecycle. However, as the project reaches the stage of MVP development services, the prototypes are dominated by the use of MVP.

5. Focus 

PoC: The focus of a PoC is feasibility—it proves that the idea can work. This reduces future risks in bespoke application development from a technical standpoint.

Prototype: The focus of a prototype is usability—it demonstrates whether people will find the product intuitive, appealing, and valuable. 

When to Choose Which

Now comes the stage of deciding between the use of a PoC or a prototype.

Use a PoC when: 

• You’re not sure of the technical potential of your idea. 
• You only need to test one core assumption of your idea. 
• You aren’t ready to show your concept to the real users yet. 

Use a Prototype when: 

• You’ve proven the idea works. 
• You want feedback on the design, feel, flow, or functionality of your app’s idea. 
• You need something to inspire or convince others (team, investors, early users) about the success potential of your concept. 

Fina Thoughts 

Proof of Concept and Prototype may seem similar, but they answer very different questions. A PoC proves your idea is technically possible, while a prototype shows how it looks and feels to real users.

Using both ensures you build something practical, valuable, and user-friendly without wasting resources. In short, PoC reduces risk, and prototypes shape experience. Together, they help transform raw ideas into products that truly connect with people.

Frequently Asked Questions