Proof of Concept Design or Mock-up Models

POC or Proof of Concept or mock-up models are usually crude in appearance but show or demonstrate how a physical or electrical feature works. Purely functional, non-appearance mock-up or POC or the Engineering mechanical prototype – model making can be an effective way to prove out a mechanical concept without investing in expensive components or extensive rapid prototyping.  The intent is support evaluating the over-all engineering function and performance.

While these Proof of Concept models and designs are not something that you would show an investor, they help you and the development team understand exactly how your product will function in reality. The object of modeling is to know everything about your product before it gets manufactured, and Proof of Concept models are a quick and cheap way to do it.

A mock-up design is a full-scale model of a structure or device, usually used for evaluating a design when doing so from a drawing becomes difficult. Like prototypes, Mock-up models are always full scale. Mock-ups are used when the size, impression and/or artworks have to be tested and approved. Mock-up is also a frequently used term when talking about an early 3D layout or full size sketch of a product.

A mock-up design should not be confused with a proof of concept or functional prototype; prototypes are not always meant to function fully, whereas mock-ups are only meant to build a full size physical model that may be of crude material or look like the real system, but not function. In many cases it is best to cheaply mock-up a design before hardware is built to avoid having to go back and make expensive unforeseen size changes.

WhiteLight Design is fluent in the use of mock-ups, and mechanical or electronic proof of concept models.  We welcome you to contact us with any questions about mock-up design expertise at our Atlanta, GA location.