The ideas for new software may seem flawless inside your head. As such, you jot them down on paper and quickly develop a new software based on those concepts. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but this approach will likely end in failure. Of the thousands of new software programs released
annually, 60% will fail. The most common reason for software failure is a lack of testing. Launching new software products can be hugely successful if done correctly. By utilizing Proof-of-Concept, software creators can learn exactly how their product will benefit their audience and tweak the program design based on user feedback.
What is Proof of Concept?
Proof-of-concept is an important step in the early stages of software creation. Using a PoC isn’t necessary, although is beneficial for future success.
A PoC in software development demonstrates your new software product before the actual development and release stage. Using PoC gives developers a tool that helps them showcase the software’s benefits, gain user feedback, improve the software, and provide evidence that attests to its benefits in the real world.
A PoC can also save developers from creating a product that is corrupt with errors or isn’t useful to consumers. Identifying those problems before the development stage saves enormous time and resources. Furthermore, a PoC increases the chances that investors will fund the project since they have proof and evidence of its potential in the real world.
Investors gain a clear demonstration of the software when they are presented with a PoC. Before presenting the software, developers can align it with marketing needs and maximize its benefits, features, and uses, increasing the odds of getting funding to back its development. Investors want to know they are putting money in products that yield profits and success and a PoC gives them evidence.
PoC can also:
- Explore the software limitations and capabilities
- Determine risks associated with the software
- Determine its target audience
- Find errors and make improvements
A well-executed PoC provides a demonstration of the software’s full features, usability, and functionality. In other words, a PoC in software development provides evidence that a product will benefit real people in the real world before wasting time and money on the development stages.
Benefits of Developing a PoC for Software Development
It is devastating when a new software fails. The easiest way to reduce risk of failure is with a PoC. The benefits of using Point-of-Concept benefits every company.
Among the many benefits offered by PoC development:
- Determine Market Needs: Identifying the specific problems your software will solve is critical. A PoC can identify potential problems with the software and determine its actual value to users.
- Evaluate Risks: No product is ready to launch the second the idea comes to mind. It must first undergo tweaks and improvements. A PoC provides developers with a tool that evaluates the risks of the software. Developers can then assess the uncertainties of creating the software and better anticipate the challenges it may pose.
- Proof and Evidence: How can investors fund a project that might not yield a return on their money? Without proof and evidence of the potential for the software, securing funding may be difficult. A PoC provides evidence that your software benefits its users and proves that it is likely to yield a return after its release.
- Software Feasibility: Is the software feasible to use in the real world? Creating a PoC provides information regarding the feasibility of the software.
- Better Understand the Product: everyone involved in the development of the software should clearly understand how it works, its features, its viability, and its benefits to users. A PoC allows all stakeholders to understand the software, from its functionality to potential profits.
How to Create a Well-Executed PoC
Developers should design their PoC after completing a few steps that help them precisely represent the software, its features and functions, and their objectives and goals in releasing the product to the public.
The following steps are an important part of the PoC software development process.
Step 1: Explore the Need for the Software
We all think our ideas are superb, but how will others feel about them? We may be entirely wrong to assume consumers will appreciate a software product in the same way as we do. Utilizing a PoC allows developers to determine how users perceive the software before devoting considerable time or funding to the project.
Your PoC should disclose the type of problems the software will solve, the features it potentially offers, and much more.
Step 2: Create a Prototype
A prototype provides a clear product demonstration created after defining the scope of the new software. Prototypes offer a clear representation of the software, from its designs to its features and functionality, and are another beneficial tool when securing funding from investors.
Step 3: Put the Prototype to the Test
A Prototype allows developers to provide their target audience with a basic version of their software for testing purposes. Users can provide feedback about the software as they use it and help point out errors and bugs that need to be resolved before the final software release. Using a prototype reduces errors in the final product which can improve customer satisfaction and confidence in your company.
Creating a PoC for software is simple, straightforward, and inexpensive. Completing the steps above allows you to determine how well your new software will perform before investing money, time, and commitment to a product doomed from the start.
The Bottom Line
Launching a new software comes with both challenges and rewards. Limiting the challenges and gaining added incentives and rewards is more than possible for those who take the time to perfect their software.
A PoC can bring your software to life and set it up for success. Do not be among the many software failures seen today when it is so easy to avoid that kind of pitfall simply by using the proof of concept tool. It is the first step in a successful software launch!
