The first step in moving your product from mind to market is developing a medical device proof of concept.
A proof of concept will enable your team to evaluate and select the best application areas and markets for your technology.
At Syncro Medical we are uniquely positioned to guide you through the proof of concept development process. Our team of business analysts, researchers, system architects and engineers help our clients assess, test, and select the best pathway to commercialization.
Our Business Analysts, UX Strategists, and Software Architects conduct quantitative and qualitative studies to assess, refine, and optimize your technology. Conducting a technical feasibility will reduce risks, increase efficiency, minimize development costs, and avoid having to rebuild in future phases.
Human-Centric UX-UI design is an integral approach to creating products that solve specific users’ needs. Our UX strategists can help to pinpoint the users’ pain points, desires, and expectations that result in products that meet their real-world needs.
Prototyping is a fundamental stage in our development process.
Using Proof-of-Concepts or clickable and interactive prototypes our team quickly gets your device in the hands of your target users to test and validate your product vision.
Can a medical device proof of concept (POC) help validate your ideas and ensure that your product meets market needs before full-scale development? Absolutely.
By following these principles, you can ensure that your POC remains efficient, focused, and useful for addressing key questions before moving into full-scale development.
Ensure that your medical device proof of concept (POC) is successful by avoiding these common pitfalls:
1. SET CLEAR GOALS
Without clear goals, the POC can drift and lose focus. Defining the objectives early on allows for more structured and effective progress, though goals can evolve as necessary.
For a drug delivery system, the first POC goal was to confirm whether the technology was feasible. After proving that, a second POC focused on optimizing the user workflow. Having clear, specific goals for each POC phase helped ensure timely completion without drifting into full product development.
2. STICK TO SHORT TIMELINES
A POC should be fast and iterative, focusing on quick learning and adjustments. Keeping the POC phase short prevents it from merging into broader development.
For a Bluetooth communication system in a cardiac lab, the team worked in one-week sprints to test signal interference. This rapid, iterative approach allowed them to address problems quickly without committing to lengthy development cycles.
3. AVOID INVOLVING TOO MANY STAKEHOLDERS
Involving too many people at different stages can lead to delays and confusion. Keep the team small and focused on the specific goals of the POC.
In a digital microscope project, the POC phase involved nearly everyone in the company, from engineers to customer service. This wide involvement slowed down decision-making. The team later reduced the stakeholders to a more focused group for each POC, which significantly sped up the process.
4. MANAGE EXPECTATIONS
It's important to communicate that a POC is not the final product. Sometimes, stakeholders may assume that because a POC works or looks complete, the product is ready.
In a POC for a cardiac instrument mobile app, the marketing team mistakenly thought the app was nearly ready for release because it looked polished. However, it was just a prototype without backend functionality or regulatory approval. Setting clear expectations early will help align everyone on the status of the project.
5. AVOID MIXING POC WITH PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Trying to reuse or merge the POC directly into the product development phase can lead to confusion. The POC is for rapid discovery, while product development requires a more structured approach.
In a novel cardiac instrument project, the client initially tried to apply product development processes to the POC phase. This approach slowed things down. Once the POC was separated from full product development, the team could quickly iterate and test different interaction models.