Design process: From POC to MVP in Large-Scale Projects

Hello everyone! Today, we'll dig into some important buzzwords you've likely heard in the tech world: POC (Proof of Concept) and MVP (Minimum Viable Product). We'll talk about what they mean, how they're different, and how to go from one to the other. Plus, we'll discuss the ups and downs of using them as two major milestones of a design process in a complex project.

What's the Difference Between a POC and an MVP?

POC (Proof of Concept)‍

It's like a sketch of an idea. Engineers make a small model just to see if the idea can actually work. Importantly, this is a strictly technical exercise. The engineering team doesn't focus on user experience at this stage. They're primarily concerned with technical feasibility.

MVP (Minimum Viable Product):

This is a more complete, working model that people can actually use. It may not have all the features, but it's functional and solves a problem. What sets an MVP apart from a POC is that it's not just technically sound; it's also designed with the user in mind. Even though it has a minimal set of features, those features are polished enough to provide a good experience right from the start.

Why to Use This Process?

This product design process is particularly helpful for large projects that require a deep level of collaboration between various teams. It's especially useful when you're dealing with complex systems where a change in one part could affect others. It encourages a focus on making something that not only works technically but also delivers a meaningful experience to the user.

When to Start with a POC?

POC: A Double-Edged Sword

A POC (Proof of Concept) is both powerful and limited. It’s quick to build but doesn’t do much yet. It gives you a peek into what could be, without the heavy investment. However, as a purely technical solution, it's not something you would put in front of a user. The primary goal of a POC is to determine feasibility: can we achieve what we're thinking? What are our limitations? How far can we stretch this idea?

Why POC for Complex Projects

Complex projects often have extensive implications; they can dramatically transform an entire system and may involve numerous dependencies. Initiating such a monumental task in the right manner is critical, and that's where a POC comes in. It allows teams to measure the magnitude and potential impact of the change, ensuring that nothing is overlooked during this transformation phase.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Collaboration is key when embarking on a complex project. That means getting everyone onboard—designers, engineers, and even business strategists. The initial "feasibility huddle" is important, but it doesn't stop there. As the project evolves, new ideas will emerge, questions will be asked, and concerns will be raised. All these need to come from a collective pool of wisdom, ensuring that all facets of the project are considered.

Defining Problem Statement and Aligning

Speak the Same Language

Before diving into any project, especially a complex one, it's crucial to ensure that everyone is on the same page. One of the key ways to do this is by establishing a clear problem statement.

Ask yourselves: What problem are we trying to solve? How will we measure success? The answers to these questions should be crystal clear and agreed upon by everyone involved.

This common understanding is the cornerstone of a well-executed project and it will also helps identifying the key user flows of the solution.

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POC Audit

Does It Do What It's Supposed To?

Auditing a POC requires meticulous investigation. Analyzing the flows and interactions, one must determine whether they adequately address the defined problem. Furthermore, it's essential to ascertain if the solution provided is not only effective but also intuitive for users.

Take screen captures of the key flows and line them up against your previously agreed-upon problem statement.

Ask the golden question: Does this align with what we set out to do? This is the first layer of your audit, making sure that the core idea is sound.

What Works and What Doesn't

Now it's time to get into the nitty-gritty. Users are going to interact with the product, clicking buttons, scrolling through pages, possibly getting lost, or hopefully finding exactly what they need with ease. Walk through the POC as if you were the user trying to accomplish a specific task related to the problem statement.

What makes sense? What's confusing? This is your chance to scrutinize every micro-interaction. Even a misplaced button can be the difference between a user adopting the product or abandoning it.

Why Does This Feature Exist?

Sometimes in the excitement of creation, we add bells and whistles that, upon reflection, don’t really serve the user, but that were not difficult to implement.

During the POC audit, every feature should be put on trial. Ask yourself: Why is this here? What purpose does it serve? Does it enhance the user's experience or does it distract from the key user flows? Micro Features and interactions need to serve a purpose, or else they become needless filler that detracts from the main task.

Remember, the POC audit isn't just a checkbox to tick off. It’s a rigorous examination that ensures your end product isn't just good, but great. This audit sets the stage for your MVP, ensuring that what gets built next is not only feasible but truly valuable.

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Propose Changes

Talk It Out

When you sit down with your engineering team to review proposed changes, don't expect everyone to nod and agree with everything. And that's not a bad thing. Healthy debate is a sign of a team that's committed to making the best product possible.

Expect resistance. Questions will arise about design choices or the necessity of certain features. Recognize the root of this feedback—often stemming from technical constraints. Navigate these limitations while aiming to preserve the user experience. Your POC audit is crucial at this juncture. It equips you with a well-founded rationale for the proposed changes, emphasizing the reasoning behind each recommendation. Lean on your collected data and insights to defend your decisions. Highlight that these changes aren't mere caprices but are grounded in thoughtful, user-centric rationale.

Always remember, it's a give and take. When your engineers chime in, pay attention. If something they mention might slow down the site or make updates tricky, that can mess with the user's experience too. They have invaluable technical insight that can spotlight limitations or even reveal new possibilities you hadn't considered. This is collaborative problem-solving at its finest.

The goal here isn’t to win an argument, but to find the most efficient and effective way to meet your users' needs. It's about compromise, negotiation, and coming to a mutual understanding. Sometimes you’ll stick to your guns, and other times you'll need to adapt. But that's the beauty of it—each discussion makes the product stronger, and it fosters a team environment where everyone's voice is heard.

So, embrace the tension and use it as fuel. You're all in this together, and the product will be better for it.

Create Your MVP Final Designs

Understand the global solution

Get a clear picture of your overall solution. I usually whip up a prototype for the main user flows at this point. It helps me really feel out the solution I'm suggesting, and see how it might connect with other parts of the system.

Dive into creating and designing user stories to delve deeper into the experience.

Along the way, you'll likely stumble upon new challenges and interactions to flesh out. Teaming up is golden here. When everyone's brains are tuned into the same concept, especially in a complex system, it's amazing how many bases you can cover.
Don’t be alarmed if new challenges surface while you’re refining your designs. In fact, consider it a positive development. These new hurdles are not setbacks; they are indicators that you're diving deeper into the user experience, catching issues before they go live. Each problem you encounter is another opportunity to make the product better.

Depending on the complexity of the project, you may have to revisit your user stories or even come up with new ones. It's important to be flexible here. Open communication with your engineering team is vital at this stage, as they can provide practical insights into what is technically feasible within the given timeframe.

In this iterative process, your focus should be on the core features that are essential for the MVP. These are your non-negotiables, the features without which the product would not solve the problem it's intended to. Get these right first; secondary features can wait.

So, be prepared to revise, adjust, and sometimes even overhaul your designs. It might take multiple iterations to get it right, but when you finally arrive at that solid MVP design that resonates with both your team and your users, all the hard work will have been worth it.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! The journey from a POC to an MVP is a complex but rewarding one, filled with iteration, collaboration, and sometimes even a little bit of healthy disagreement. Remember, the process I've shared is not a one-size-fits-all blueprint; it's more like a flexible framework that can adapt to the unique challenges and objectives of your project.

One thing is for sure—whether you're solving for a small, specific user issue or transforming an entire system, this approach gives you the tools to navigate the complexities while staying focused on what truly matters: creating a product that meets both user needs and business objectives.

What I particularly appreciate about this process is its adaptability. It allows us to uncover new insights, engage in more meaningful collaborations across teams, and refine our objectives as we learn more about what is truly feasible and impactful. And as a result, we end up with a product that's not only functional but also deeply resonant with those who use it.

So, whether you're embarking on your first big project or you're a seasoned veteran, I hope you found some valuable takeaways here. Happy designing!