In the world of software development, terms like Proof of Concept (PoC), Prototype, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Pilot, and Beta are tossed around—often interchangeably. But how does and MVP differ from a prototype? Do you need to do follow every stage or can some be skipped?
Proof of Concept (PoC)
A PoC is all about feasibility. It answers a single question: Can this idea work in practice? At this early stage, the focus is not on building a product but on testing a specific concept, technical approach, or functionality. For example, a team might develop a basic algorithm to see if a new data model is viable before building anything customer-facing. The goal is to reduce technical uncertainty before investing in the development of the project.
Prototype
If the answer to can this idea work in practice, is ‘yes’.
Then a prototype helps bring it to life visually or functionally. Prototypes range from low-fidelity sketches or wireframes to high-fidelity clickable designs or partial builds. They’re typically not ready for market but are invaluable for gathering early feedback on user experience, design choices, and interaction flows. While a PoC validates the idea, a prototype validates how the idea might look or feel.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
The MVP is a working product—but only just. It includes the essential features needed to solve a core user problem and allows you to start learning from real users as early as possible. The objective here is not perfection, but validation. Are users willing to pay for this? Are we solving the right problem? Feedback collected at this stage will shape further development.
Pilot
A pilot is a small-scale, live implementation of the MVP or product. Typically run with a more limited target user group in a controlled environment. A pilot helps test not only the product itself but also business processes, support structures (IT, HR etc.) and scalability. Think of it as a dress rehearsal before committing to a full launch. It’s particularly useful when working with B2B clients or regulated industries, where large-scale errors can be costly.
Beta
The beta phase opens the doors a little wider. Unlike a pilot, which might be restricted to a specific client or demographic, beta testing often involves a broader audience. This stage aims to identify bugs, performance issues, or UX gaps that weren’t visible earlier. By the time you reach beta, the product should be nearly complete, with feedback primarily focused on refinement rather than foundational changes.
In practice, the sequence might follow: PoC → Prototype → MVP → Pilot → Beta → Launch. But this isn’t a strict formula. Depending on your product, market, or industry, some stages may overlap, repeat, or be skipped. What matters most is choosing the right process for your needs—testing feasibility early, validating theories quickly, and listening to real users.
It’s okay to skip or combine development phases. Agile methodologies often involve overlapping and iterative phases, allowing for more flexibility and adaptability.
