How to make a PoC, or Proof of Concept? 5 steps to apply this funny little word to your projects

By Inès Ikar

Published: July 25, 2025

Do you have a PoC?

If you don't know what a PoC, or Proof of Concept, is, this article will enlighten you.

The Proof of Concept is a system for analyzing the feasibility of a project at the scoping stage. It's used a lot in the Agile method, to create a new product or service.

👉 This article is for you if you're wondering: what is Proof of Concept? what are its advantages and disadvantages? how to launch a PoC and make it a success?

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What is PoC?

Definition of Proof of Concept

PoC stands for proof of concept . It's a method for assessing the feasibility of a project, mainly used in agile teams and in design thinking.

🔎 PoC is used to determine not only whether there is a demand for a product or service, but also whether it is technically, economically and commercially feasible. In short, PoC is about finding out whether it's worth implementing a project.😊

A PoC can be used to validate a new project idea, or to add functionality to an existing project.

The benefits of PoC

The main advantage of PoC is that it saves time when designing a product or service. In fact, this study makes it possible to decide at a very early stage whether the project is viable. If it isn't, PoC helps to identify problems or obstacles and find solutions.

It also enables you to test an idea on a small scale, without committing major human or financial resources. It's an excellent way of validating a specific functionality, a customer need or a technical approach.

PoC also has a financial advantage, as it reduces the risk of launching a product or service that won't work. By limiting unnecessary expenditure, it optimizes resource allocation from the earliest stages of product development. It's all-risk insurance against large-scale flops.

The disadvantages of PoC?

Proof of concept is not without its shortcomings, but these are more to do with the misuse of this method. First of all, PoC can lead to the premature abandonment of a project that was still viable with adjustments. We mustn't forget that innovation and creativity can save projects deemed unfeasible!

Secondly, the PoC is not sufficient to assess a project's profitability, particularly in the case of large-scale development. PoC must therefore be supplemented by other methods.

It can also give a biased view of the final product, particularly if the objectives or scope are poorly defined from the outset. A PoC concept that is too technical or too far removed from the customer's real needs may distort the feasibility analysis.

Finally, PoC requires time, resources and even specific tools. If not properly framed, it can lengthen the decision-making process instead of simplifying it... And that's the last straw 😅.

What's the difference between an MVP and a prototype?

Proof of concept should not be confused with two other methods of validating a project : the MVP (minimum viable product) and the prototype.

The MVP is a beta-test version of the product: it works and can be marketed, but does not offer all the functionalities that will be present in the final version. The MVP comes later in a project's conception, when the offer is well identified.

The prototype, on the other hand, comes before the MVP: it's the first test version, not intended for sale. Its main purpose is to verify the product's technical feasibility.

	Proof of concept	Prototype	Minimum viable product
Usefulness	Demonstrate feasibility	Test design	Test operation
Duration	Several days or weeks	Several weeks	Several months
Players	Developers or researchers	Beta testers	End users
Objective	Test an idea	Present an overview of the project	Adapt the project based on user feedback

The Proof of Concept or PoC is an essential step when launching a service or product that doesn't exist at all. It enables you to verify the product's technical, economic and commercial feasibility before embarking on the design phase.

Requirements for creating a PoC

Before getting started, you need to lay a few solid foundations. First, a clear objective: what are you trying to validate?

Functionality?
technical feasibility?
A product development model?

Artistic vagueness is the sworn enemy of the PoC concept.

The customer or end-user' s needs must also be clearly defined. An effective PoC starts with a real problem to solve.

In terms of organization, a small but committed team makes all the difference. No need for a symphony orchestra. Two or three people, a suitable tool and a real ability to iterate are all you need for this phase.

Finally, don't forget to define a precise framework:

a test perimeter,
a timetable (even a tight one),
measurable validation criteria.

Otherwise, beware of the PoC that drags on... or worse, goes off the rails without anyone knowing why.

How to make a Proof of Concept in 5 steps?

Step 1: Initiating or defining the initial idea

This is where you define the objectives of the PoC: its purpose and expected results. It may, for example, be used to convince investors, or simply to decide whether or not to go ahead with product design. The starting hypotheses must be precisely defined, otherwise the study will be biased. You should also explain how the idea and project will be implemented.

Step 2: Planning or establishing the scope of work

Here you define the PoC targets and the tools to be used: a prototype, a desk study, questionnaires, etc. You also determine what data will be collected and how long the PoC will last. Choosing the scope of the test (target customers, sectors, etc.) helps to avoid imprecise or erroneous results. The choice of success indicators is also important to demonstrate the feasibility and viability of the project.

Stage 3: Implementation of the PoC

This is the PoC's operational phase. It may involve a desk study, testing or the production of a prototype, a first version of the product.

Stage 4: control or analysis of results

Data is collected, analyzed and interpreted. The aim is to determine whether the project is feasible, and within what parameters (cost, schedule, resources, etc.). No decisions are made at this stage, just the objective facts.

Step 5: Conclusion or determination of PoC feasibility

This is when the decision is made: if the project is feasible, do we go ahead with it or not? If it's not feasible, should we abandon it or study another way of doing things?

Tools to help you create a PoC

A PoC without the right tools is a bit like a recipe without ingredients. It starts well, but rarely ends successfully.

Depending on the nature of your project - technical, functional or customer-focused - certain tools can make all the difference.

These include :

prototyping tools to quickly model a product or interface, such as Figma or Sketch ;
project management tools for tracking tasks and scope, such as Jira or Trello;
technical tools for simulating integration, such as Postman for testing APIs;
no-code tools for creating a service or app in the blink of an eye, such as Bubble or Adalo ;
and user validation tools, like Google Forms or Typeform, to quickly test an idea with real people.

👉 For a technical proof of concept, turn to platforms like: Figma, Sketch, Jira, Trello, Postman.

👉 To validate an idea or a usage model, tools such as Typeform, Google Forms, Bubble and Adalo enable you to simulate a service without writing a line of code.

The aim: to quickly create a realistic proof of concept, without mobilizing the entire IT team.

Proof of Concept: example

Here's an example of a proof of concept for the creation of a training course.

The company defines its initial idea : to create a training course to help entrepreneurs build a viable business. The objective of the PoC is to find out whether this training project meets a demand and is commercially profitable.
The company decided to carry out market research, interview target customers and develop a training prototype.
The company carries out its studies and has its prototype tested by interested entrepreneurs.
The company analyzes the results and realizes that there is strong demand, but that entrepreneurs also need personalized support. The PoC enabled the company to calculate the minimum price of its training to be profitable.
The company decides to build the training course by adjusting the offer with optional personalized coaching.