A proof of concept (POC) is an initiative designed to assess whether an idea can be realized and is feasible. This limited project concentrates on testing the viability of a central concept to uncover potential risks, aiding stakeholders in determining whether to invest significant resources into the project.
A POC is essential for confirming a project's technical and functional feasibility prior to substantial investment. It serves as a precautionary measure, enabling teams to investigate an idea's possibilities without full commitment. This preliminary validation is instrumental in gaining stakeholder support and clarifying the subsequent steps.
Although a POC is intended to be a straightforward task, it may encounter various challenges that can compromise its success. The absence of clear guidelines and dedicated supervision can lead the process astray. Key challenges to be mindful of include:
Although often confused, a proof of concept and a prototype have different roles within the development process.
This outlines the steps to create a proof of concept to evaluate the feasibility of your idea.