The Anatomy of a $330 Proof of Concept: Why "High-Fidelity" is a Trap
In my New Year message, I discussed the importance of Financial Gatekeeping. Today, I want to take you inside the logic of the POC (Proof of Concept) stage. I am currently in the middle of a build where the budget is strictly capped at $330.
To the uninitiated, this seems like a small amount for a serious invention. But in the BH Methodology, the $330 POC is the most critical gate in the entire process.
1. Function Over Form A common mistake is trying to make a prototype look like a finished product. You spend thousands on aesthetic finishing and professional materials before you’ve even proven the core physics. In my current project, I am using "off-the-shelf" components and iterative fabrication. The goal isn't beauty; it’s answering one question: Does the mechanism perform exactly as calculated?
2. The "Failure" Dividend I expect parts of this $330 build to fail. In fact, I want them to. If a component fails in a low-cost material, I have learned a lesson that only cost me a few dollars. If I had moved straight to the $14,000 professional prototype phase, that same mistake would cost me thousands and weeks of lead time.
3. Data for the Licensing Target Every dollar spent at this stage is focused on gathering the data required by my Licensing Targets. These companies don't care about a pretty 3D render; they care about a validated mechanism and a clear competitive advantage. By keeping my initial costs low, I maintain total leverage. I can pivot, tweak, or even start over without financial ruin.
The Bottom Line: Before you spend five figures, you must prove your logic for three figures. That is how you survive the "Prototyping Gauntlet" and bring a successful product to market.
