A Proof of concept (POC) is the process of gathering evidence to support the feasibility of a project. Project managers perform a POC in the early stages of development before committing too much time and resources to a project.
The purpose of a proof of concept is to demonstrate project viability to product teams, clients, and other stakeholders. A POC may uncover flaws, leading the company to revise or abandon a project. In other cases, a POC can confirm the likelihood of project success, providing evidence of viability for development.
What is a proof of concept?
A proof of concept (POC) demonstrates the feasibility of a proposed product, method, or idea. This is a way for you to prove that your idea will work in the real world, so stakeholders and investors feel comfortable moving forward with the project. Demonstrating the feasibility of your idea at an early stage in the project life cycle can instill confidence in all stakeholders during the project’s execution.arious industries use proofs of concept in their development process because they mitigate project risk and give decision-makers valuable insight into the benefits of a project. But you won’t need a proof of concept for every project you work on because not every project starts with a new idea.
Why is proof of concept important?
- Finite resources: A POC tests project feasibility, ensuring companies pursue only viable projects to prevent wasting resources.
- Enhanced trust: A POC provides evidence of project viability. It helps earn trust among stakeholders and investors by increasing the likelihood of a return on investment over an idea that lacks planning and testing.
Better planning: A POC identifies roadblocks and informs project direction. Thinking ahead can help teams solve logistical issues before they arise, making navigating the later stages of development easier.
Key components of a proof of concept
- Problem statement: Describe what challenges the project will solve and what needs it will address.
- Project definition: Define what the project intends to do.
- Project goals: Outline the intended outcomes and how you will measure them.
- Required resources: List what tools and resources you will need to produce the intended results.
FAQs
Proof of concept vs. prototype vs. MVP?
Proof of concept: A proof of concept is a presentation that demonstrates feasibility. The time to create a proof of concept can vary from days to weeks, depending on the complexity of your project idea. You’ll present your proof of concept to developers or researchers to convince them your idea is worthwhile. You should use a proof of concept when testing an idea you’ve never created before.
Prototype: A prototype demonstrates how to build your product and what it may look like once it’s complete. Because the prototype is the first structured project build, it can take weeks to get right. You’ll present your finished prototype to developers, stakeholders, or a limited set of end users. You can use a prototype to secure funding for your project.
Minimum viable product: This is the most refined iteration of your project. After delivering your prototype or proof of concept to a limited group of people, you’ll create an MVP that uses feedback to make changes. You’ll create the MVP for your end users, and it can take months to create. The goal of the MVP is to gain a competitive edge in the market.
The proof of concept tests your product or idea at an elementary level, while the prototype brings your idea to life so you can share it with others. The MVP is your prototype in its final stage before you deliver your product or idea to the masses.
When do you use a proof of concept?
Creating a new project idea: If you’re developing a product or method that no one has done before, a proof of concept will serve as your pilot project. When you don’t have previous use cases for comparison, you’ll need to test your idea and ensure it makes sense in real life.
Adding a new feature to a project: When you add a new feature to a project, the existing project becomes something new. If you invented the new feature you’re adding to the project, use a proof of concept to ensure the feature won’t negatively affect the project’s functionality.