Let’s say you are starting a new project. It could be an app, software, or perhaps a company to advise other people in some technology related area. Before even taking the first step, the must is to evaluate how feasible that new project is. If you are wondering how to do it, the ideal is to do a proof of concept, and that way, you can show potential investors that your project is worth betting on.
But First, What Is a Proof of Concept?
In summary, and as you may have already imagined, a proof of concept (PoC) is a way to demonstrate that a product or project is viable and that it will work if you carry it out. When you show your PoC to people who are interested in your project, they will be able to see that it is a reliable idea and will have every reason to join your great idea. It is a useful way to keep the people involved calm since, from the early stages of the project, they will be sure that it is a feasible idea.
Keep in mind that the PoC is not about exciting stakeholders. But you must concisely demonstrate what the possible risks of the project are and what measures you will take to avoid problems and obtain the desired results. But the most important thing is how to make a good PoC. We will explain it below.
Simple Steps to Make a Proof of Concept
Specify the Goal
It is impossible to advance on a path without knowing where you are going. Therefore, the first thing is to establish the objective you want to achieve. Consequently, you must clarify the expected results and standards of excellence.
This is the time to project the feasibility of the product or project; That is, demonstrate that it has the required potential to capture the interest of consumers, investors, or other interested parties. The proof of concept is a methodical process that requires compliance with all its steps. In short, at this part you must check the existence of the target audience willing to spend money to access the proposed solution.
Design the Survey
Now, you should apply a survey, or the appropriate instrument, to collect information and know the opinion of the consumer public. Then, you must put the questionnaire together giving the questions a specific order and in blocks. It is essential to start with simple and pleasant questions. Then, move on to more complex questions, which usually are the most important and revealing.
Remember, it is essential to use the Likert scale in some questions. Here, extremes include responses such as completely disagree or completely agree. The score assigned usually ranges from 5 to 7 points, so the respondent tends to lean towards one of the extremes. Be consistent and place the response options in the same location on the survey sheet. We recommend adding images to the concept survey, as they are essential for conveying ideas and making the survey visually pleasing.
Collect Feedback
Surveys can provide a lot of information. That is why it is essential to focus on the most relevant points of the proof of concept. After applying the survey, it is necessary to review and analyze the information collected. You should emphasize new or valuable information that allows improvements to the product or service, such as:
- The ease of use.
- Characteristics that must be preserved.
- Possible improvements.
Make Corrections
Based on the comments received and the feedback from the previous step, you should determine if corrections or adjustments are necessary. Likewise, you have to determine what these consist of and what will be the pattern of actions to take.
Once the concept has been optimized thanks to the feedback, it proceeds the development of the product or service. It is crucial to emphasize the qualities and benefits that respond to the revealed needs. Additionally, it is necessary to determine the technology and processes in which the entire project will be supported.
Present the Product
The presentation of the product involves not only the description of its characteristics, functions, and qualities but also everything necessary for its production. The display of the project or final product must be done in detail, highlighting all the components that were developed. Likewise, the achievement of the levels of excellence stipulated at the beginning of the test must be praised. All of this requires using metrics with indicators that can allow such ratification.
It is also advisable to include complementary information, such as the effort required and the amount of resources used. Finally, to do a good product validation, it is essential to focus on the benefits it offers, rather than the features. This is what will ultimately get approval from consumers or investors.
Mistakes You Should Avoid
It is common to make mistakes when making a PoC, especially if this is your first time. Below, are the most common mistakes when creating your proofs of concept:
- Carry out a proof of concept on an idea in isolation.
- Accumulate many ideas in a single proof-of-concept survey.
- Automatically cancel the idea in case you do not get the answers you expected in the proof of concept.
- Assume that the audience thinks like you.
- Do not adjust the survey geographically and demographically.
You Can Also Leave the PoC in Professional Hands
Making a PoC can be complicated if it is your first time. If you want to save time and make sure everything goes right from the start, you can hire the services of a company like Seven Collab to do your Proof of Concept and take care of all this work.
Conclusion
Carrying out a type of study in the preparatory stages that maximizes the chances of success in launching a product or service by exploring its viability with a specific target audience can be crucial for that project to be successful. You can ask a professional to do your proof of concept or do it yourself by specifying the goal you want, conducting surveys to gauge public opinion, and making appropriate corrections until you can present your product to the public. Follow those steps and increase your chance of success!
