Proof of Concept (PoC)

A Proof of Concept (PoC) is a concept validation model that validates the feasibility and potential of a proposed idea, technology, or methodology before further development or investment.

• Context:
  • It can (often) serve as an initial test to determine whether a Proposed Concept can be practically implemented.
  • It can (often) involve building a PoC Product, PoC Software, or PoC System to showcase core functionality.
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  • It can range from being a Simple PoC to being a Complex PoC.
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  • It can identify potential risks and technical limitations early in the development cycle.
  • It can help gain stakeholder support and justify project funding based on tangible evidence.
  • It can be used in Software Development, Engineering Projects, and Business Innovation to assess the practicality of a new solution.
  • It can be followed by a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), which further develops the concept with additional features for early market testing.
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• Example(s):
  • a Blockchain PoC that demonstrates using a distributed ledger for secure supply chain tracking.
  • a Smart Home Device PoC showing how an IoT-based solution can automate lighting and temperature control.
  • a Machine Learning PoC that uses a small subset of data to validate the performance of a new algorithm on a specific classification problem.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Pilot Project: A pilot project is a more advanced implementation aimed at testing in real-world scenarios rather than just demonstrating core feasibility.
  • Full-Scale Implementation: A complete product or system ready for deployment, beyond the scope of an initial proof of concept.
• See: Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Pilot Project, Prototype.

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References

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proof_of_concept Retrieved:2024-10-7.
  • Proof of concept (POC or PoC), also known as proof of principle, is a realization of a certain idea, method or principle in order to demonstrate its feasibility, or viability, or a demonstration in principle with the aim of verifying that some concept or theory has practical potential. A proof of concept is usually small and may or may not be complete. These collaborative trials aim to test feasibility of business concepts and proposals to solve business problems and accelerate business innovation goals. A proof of value (PoV) is sometimes used along proof of concept, and differs by focusing more on demonstrating the potential customer use case and value, and is usually less in-depth than a proof of concept.
  • NOTES:
    • Proof of Concept (PoC)s demonstrate the feasibility, viability, or practical potential of an idea, method, or principle, typically on a smaller scale and with a focus on core functionality.
    • Proof of Concept (PoC)s serve as a risk mitigation strategy by identifying potential technical challenges early in the development process and can be instrumental in securing stakeholder buy-in and project funding.
    • Proof of Concept (PoC)s are widely applicable across various fields, including software development, engineering, business innovation, and scientific research, often preceding the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
    • Proof of Concept (PoC)s can range from Simple PoCs demonstrating a single feature to Complex PoCs showcasing intricate systems, but differ from Pilot Projects by focusing on feasibility rather than full-scale, real-world testing.
    • Proof of Concept (PoC)s aim to test and accelerate business innovation goals, differing from Proof of Value (PoV) which focuses more on demonstrating potential customer use cases.
    • Proof of Concept (PoC)s in engineering and technology often involve constructing rough prototypes, such as using a breadboard for electrical devices.
    • Proof of Concept (PoC)s in software development help choose technology stacks, attract investor interest, simplify testing, receive user feedback, and onboard early clients.
    • Proof of Concept (PoC)s in drug development involve early clinical trials (Phase I and IIA) to show desired clinical activity and tolerability.
    • Proof of Concept (PoC)s may be incomplete but provide crucial insights for further development or investment decisions.

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