Create a prototype
After the problem-solution dynamic has been established, your proof of concept will need a prototype. A prototype is the first iteration of your end project. It is an early version of the software that is able to be tried and tested in order to gain valuable feedback and insight into how things will work.
A prototype isn’t as advanced as an MVP but it is a workable model of your final product that can work as a dummy run. What the prototype will look like will depend on your individual project and circumstances, it may not always be essential to create a digital prototype.
Test the prototype
Once created, the prototype needs to be tested. This is an integral step of the process.
Before you launch anything to the general public, your prototype should be internally tested for bugs, problems, failure to meet specs, and so on. The earlier you can do this the better as you can fix problems as soon as they arise and not waste any more time.
As well as internally testing your prototype, you can release it in a controlled environment to a small group of users. This is known as release candidate testing. Whatever option you go for is less important than how the feedback gained is used. If you use this immediate feedback to improve the product and make wiser decisions going forward, then either testing option is appropriate.
The objective is to know what is going on under the hood before you think about releasing the car.
Analyse the results and measure success
The final step of the process is potentially the most critical step of all.
After your proof of concept has been designed, research conducted, prototype built and tested, you need to use all of this information to gain knowledge and improve your process. A thorough analysis of all results will need to be conducted before you move on to any further iterations of your project’s life cycle.