Strategic Prototyping: Rapid Iteration and Proof of Concept (POC) Development
Figure 25.1: Final Functional Validation – The Realization Phase
Originally published 03 July 2023. Re-indexed 05 Jan 2026 for the BH Methodology Technical Repository.
Overview: The objective of STEP 7: Create a Proof of Concept is not to build a finished product, but to validate mechanical logic through Low-Fidelity Iteration. Within the BH Methodology, capital efficiency is prioritized by utilizing "surrogate materials" to test form and function before committing to high-cost industrial manufacturing.
Prototyping Methodology by Material Vector:
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): Utilized for complex geometric validation and component-fit testing.
Breadboarding & DIY Circuitry: For inventions requiring electrical integration, these allow for rapid logic-testing without the cost of custom PCB fabrication.
Low-Fidelity Substrates (Cardboard/Composite): Essential for spatial-volume testing and ergonomic mock-ups.
Soft-Good Prototyping: Utilizing textiles to verify tensile strength and flexibility in flexible-component designs.
Component Scavenging: Harvesting existing mechanical parts to verify "Off-the-Shelf" (OTS) compatibility.
The Documentation Protocol: As emphasized in Volume 1, every iteration must be forensically documented. This creates the Technical Audit Trail required for:
IP Protection (STEP 3): Establishing "Reduction to Practice."
Stakeholder Due Diligence: Providing empirical evidence of functional evolution.
Conclusion: A Proof of Concept (POC) is a diagnostic tool. By utilizing high-speed, low-cost prototyping techniques, the researcher can identify structural flaws early, ensuring the final design is optimized for the industrial standards detailed in the BH framework.
