A private application, or prototype, is an interactive software tool developed internally to test the user interface of a new product. The most accurate way to define a POC, however, is a product prototype that enables a company to explore a new product concept with limited resources in a controlled environment. A POC describes a concept and the requirements needed to build the actual product.
A mobile app POC is most commonly a small, self-contained development team. The POC strategy to product testing is usually about verifying that a given idea is viable for implementation and showing basic functionality to a limited group of users. Utilizing a POC to gather information about user experiences is an excellent way for a development team to share internal knowledge about the functionality of a new app. A team can also use POCs to solicit user feedback early in the development process before the app is available for testing. Many companies find that the cost-effectiveness of collecting feedback using a prototype is much less than building a large-scale testing program. This is because instead of paying for testing services, a large number of testers can be employed on a POC alone.
A POC describes a concept that is technologically feasible but not yet feasible to implement as a final product. A product prototype is sometimes called a pilot program, and a real-time simulation of the system on which the concept is based is often referred to as a simulator. One example of a technology POC includes an artificial intelligence system that was developed by an artificial intelligence research team. The simulator was able to function for months before it was launched as a real-time application. A POC does not always have to be a technology-related product; many businesses choose to develop a POC based on a solution that solves a business problem.
A mobile app prototype can be developed for a number of different reasons. Sometimes the need to develop an intuitive user interface arises from a need to build a more engaging platform for the device. Other times the need to create an advanced system for data collection arises from a need to accurately capture certain metrics. Many organizations want to develop a POC prior to releasing their first version of the product so that they can ensure that the system is simple enough to be accepted by consumers. Organizations may also choose to conduct a POC in order to test the performance of their new software on a limited foundation. In some cases, POCs are used to gather user feedback in order to improve or refine a concept.
When you begin the process of creating a POC, it is important to consider several factors. You will want to determine if you have the resources to invest in a full-scale prototype. Additionally, you will want to determine the feasibility and appropriateness of a lower technology prototype. You will likely be working with a number of different stakeholders during the development process, so it is critical that you work with them in the right way in order to make sure that the project meets your needs and the goals of all of the stakeholders.
As POCs represent the initial prototype of an app, it is essential that you keep the functionality and usability of the product top priority during the process. Always strive to make the prototype as easy to use as possible. It is important to provide easy to follow instructions so that users will not be left in the dark regarding how to operate the application. Since every business brings its own unique culture and goals, it is important to consider adding these cultural elements into your app as well. This will help to ensure that your app development meets your business goals, which in turn will add value to the stakeholders of your organization.
