What Are the Components of a Proof of Concept?
A proof of concept includes descriptions of the product design, necessary equipment, tests and results. Successful proofs of concept also include documentation of how the product will meet company needs.
A proof of concept, or POC, is a way to examine or demonstrate the usefulness of a product or idea. The POC outlines how the product or idea will operate in a real-world environment without the expenditure necessary for the full development.
A POC includes a number of descriptions:
- Prototype design: an example of the full product.
- Equipment: the parts necessary to build the prototype.
- Descriptions of the testing that will take place.
- Defining how the testing will take place.
- Execute testing.
In addition to outlining all the steps, the POC describes the outcomes of testing in detail and includes successful tests as well as tests that had to be modified. If the POC refers to a product, it may not be necessary to build a prototype, but instead becomes necessary to get a copy of the existing item for testing and development. If the POC is being written to bring a new concept or idea into a company, it should include a detailed description of how the particular product will enhance or benefit the company.
