Josh Vogel

I just wanted to take a moment or two to wrap up my recent discussion on the importance and value of proof-of-concept testing. I mentioned in parts 1 and 2 that proof-of-concept testing comes in two forms. First, a race to MVP, or minimally viable product. Second, pushing already existing technology to its limits to find out what it is capable of. But what is the value proposition for doing a proof-of-concept?

Learning

While this may not be an aspect that brings monetary returns to the client but doing a quick proof-of-concept can be a learning experience on multiple levels. First, you will learn more about your idea and/or your product. You will learn definitively what it can or can not do. Second, you will learn if your contractor (hopefully me) will be a good match for your vision and goals (I pride myself in my customer service). Either of these things alone can save you hassle at a later point. You don’t want to create a product that doesn’t work or which doesn’t create value. Additionally, switching contractors after you’ve decided to “Go Big” can be costly both in terms of time and money.

Monetary

I touched upon this a little bit in the previous paragraph, but performing a proof-of-concept test first can save money in multiple areas. Either you now know what direction you want to take the project in or are confident that you can work together with the contractor. But perhaps what is even more valuable is that with an MVP, you can now shop it around to other potential funders of your project, knowing that it will work and that it will wow those facing whatever problem you are trying to solve.

Conclusion

Proof-of-concept testing is definitely niche, as most people like to just dive in and make everything work. Often this is the wrong approach and sets one up for failure before they have even begun. Testing allows one to make the right choices without losing a lot of time. It also brings you to market faster in a world where a million other people have the same exact idea as you and have possibly even iterated over it. So now that you know the value of proof-of-concept testing, go make your ideas a reality, you could be the next unicorn!