In simple terms, proof of concept is evidence, typically deriving from an experiment or pilot project, which demonstrates that a design concept or business proposal is feasible.
As an example, a company may be given the go-ahead or awarded a contract on the strength of evaluation, proof of concept, and budget. This can be related to a diverse range of industries, including filmmaking, engineering, business development, security, software development and drug development.
If we’re focusing purely on business development, retail and sales, then a proof of concept can come in handy when a retailer or vendor wants to trial a product. The proof of concept not only helps to establish feasibility, it also plays a role in isolating technical issues, whilst it provides an angle for acquiring feedback and tips on decision-making. One of the earliest definitions of proof of concept came from Bruce Carsten in his column “Carsten’s Corner”.
He wrote: “Proof-of-Concept Prototype is a term that (I believe) I coined in 1984. It was used to designate a circuit constructed along lines similar to an engineering prototype, but one in which the intent was only to demonstrate the feasibility of a new circuit and/or a fabrication technique, and was not intended to be an early version of a production design.”
The term is now widely used and there are many businesses providing Proof of Concept Design Prototyping services.
So what’s the difference between proof of concept and a prototype?
Though closely related, a proof of concept is a system designed purely to demonstrate the functionality of a single or small set of principles, which can be integrated into other systems, while a prototype is a first attempt at making something that might be real-world usable. So in short, a proof of concept is already further down the development line, but of course, both of these are critical components in prototyping and trialling. We’ll be covering a huge range of subjects on our blog over the coming months, so you’ll learn more about Data Analysis Process Simulation Research & Development Proof of Concept Design Prototyping.