There are different ways to convert an idea into a new product, such as proof of concept, minimum viable product, prototyping, etc. Here, we’ll discuss the difference between PoC vs. MVP and the right approach for AI implementation.
Artificial intelligence-powered solutions offer various advantages to businesses across industries. AI tools streamline internal processes, automate recurring tasks, save resources, and reduce employee workload.
According to Grand View Research, the global AI market is valued at $391 billion and is expected to reach $1.81 trillion by 2030 at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 35.9%. AI adoption and implementation have grown by leaps and bounds during the last few years. Another report shows that 9 out of 10 businesses use AI as it gives them a competitive edge. As per Statista, the AI market in the US alone is worth $75 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.91% by 203.
With such statistics, it’s clear that artificial intelligence has become an integral part of the business world. Organizations have either implemented AI or are implementing it as a part of their five-year plans. Many are releasing new AI products into the market to provide enhanced services to customers and attract new customers to the business.
AI implementation is a complex and sophisticated process that requires careful strategic planning, skills, knowledge, expertise, and access to the right technologies. Typically, there are two ways to introduce an AI product into the market. The first approach results in creating a proof of concept before full-scale implementation or launch, while the latter deals with using a minimum viable product that consists of the basic features and functionalities.
So, which method is the best choice? Between PoC vs. MVP, which AI implementation is the right approach? Read to find out!
Proof of Concept (PoC) is the process of assessing whether an idea, design, or plan for a product (software, mobile app, AI tool, etc.) is feasible or not. Though PoC is not a compulsory part of product development, it can help clarify your doubts or answer a few questions about whether the product would work in real life.
Typically, AI PoC development is useful to reduce risks, clear ambiguity, and make a decision about investments. By using PoC, you can choose the best technology stack for the product you want to develop. After all, no business wants to lose money through failed products, isn’t it?
Proof of concept is not a complete project. It is not about creating a prototype. PoC is more useful for internal decisions and discussions for the teams to determine the next step. That doesn’t mean PoC projects are handled only by in-house employees. You can ask the AI product development company for proof of concept before you say yes to a full-scale project.
The key characteristics of PoC are listed below:
Minimum Viable Product is a product that has just enough features to be used by real people (alpha and beta testers, etc.) to understand how it works, whether it serves the required purpose, and what can be done to improve its effectiveness. Frank Robinson coined the term, while Eric Ries made it popular in his book a decade later. AI MVP development can be defined as a continuation of prototyping, as it creates a usable version of the software product, even if it has only the basic or the most important features.
Like the proof of concept, MVP is not mandatory. However, it is helpful when you want to understand your target audience and take their feedback. It includes processes like monitoring user behavior, data collection, and analytics. MVP also helps make data-driven decisions, but is focused on how to improve the product. Companies offering product development as AI as a service (AIaaS) solutions assist enterprises test their ideas directly in the market while controlling risk and cost factors.
The key characteristics of MVP are as follows:
Now comes the big question of choosing between PoC vs MVP. Which of these approaches is the right choice for your AI product development? How can you determine if the AI development process should include the proof of concept or the minimum viable product?
Let’s find out here.
In AI project management, proof of concept is an early-stage process that determines whether you can continue with the project or not. Choose PoC in the following circumstances:
You create a minimum viable product during the later stages of AI or LLM product development. It doesn’t clash with the PoC stage, nor does it replace it. Choose MVP in the following conditions:
As you can see, PoC and MVP have different focuses, purposes, and uses. One cannot be substituted for the other. Though both help in reducing risks, their goals and objectives don’t align.
Choose PoC when you are uncertain and in doubt about the project itself. However, go with the MVP approach if you want to ensure the AI product becomes a hit with the target audience. Nevertheless, both approaches require clear planning, objectives, and timelines to deliver the required results.
| Proof of Concept (PoC) | Minimum Viable Product (MVP) | |
| Focus | Proof of feasibility or validity | Creating a basic version of the product with core features |
| Purpose | Determine the feasibility of the product | Get user feedback to improve the product |
| Duration/ Timeline | Takes a few days | Takes a few months |
| Development Stage | In the early stages of product development | In the later stages of product development |
| User Group | Internal teams | External users |
| Investment | Minimal investment | Moderate investment |
Proof of concept and minimum viable product have their advantages and disadvantages. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when developing AI products. The right approach depends on your specifications, budget, technical feasibility, user feedback, etc. Talk to a reputed and experienced artificial intelligence consulting company to discuss your ideas and use their expertise to adopt the best approach to develop and launch your AI product. Accelerate success through planned innovation and enhance customer experience.
AI product development services help businesses create innovative, unique, and useful products that appeal to their target audience and empower employees to be more productive. It is a combination of several skills, tools, and technologies to align the product with the business requirements and objectives. The right AI consulting partner provides end-to-end and customized solutions as well as support services to launch a successful product into the market and increase ROI.
Check out the following links to learn more about AI product development services.
The best way to decide between PoC vs. MVP is to measure the technical and skill gap in your organization. You should also consider factors like feasibility, market response, etc. If you are not sure about how well the changes will be received, PoC might be a better option. However, opt for MVP if you want to get feedback from users after implementation.
The key differences between PoC, prototype, and MVP are as follows:
All three methods are equally important and have definite purposes. The right method for AI development depends on your project specifications.
Prioritize PoC over MVP when you have an idea but are not sure of its feasibility in real life. Proof of Concept allows you to test your ideas and designs using different technologies and approaches to determine if they would be successful and useful in reality. PoC is beneficial in attracting new investors to the business. This is especially true for startups.s It reduces the risk of AI implementation by cutting costs and limiting the use of resources.
MVP or Minimum Viable Product can help gather early feedback from users through feedback forms, built-in surveys, focus groups, interviews, behavior tracking, analytics, monitoring social media for discussions about the product, analyzing customer support interactions, etc. It allows you to learn more about the product, listen to user feedback, and consider their opinions to improve the product.
The following are some common pitfalls you should avoid when choosing between PoC vs. MVP for AI solutions:
If you are not sure about which AI implementation approach to choose, talk to an AI product development company and ask for their recommendation.
Fact checked by –
Akansha Rani ~ Content Creator & Copy Writer
