pol-probe

Define a disposable Proof of Life probe with hypothesis, risks, and success criteria.

Updated Mar 30, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/MiDouTech/myTapd --skill pol-probe-midoutech
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pol-probe
Source: https://github.com/MiDouTech/myTapd/tree/main/.claude/skills/pol-probe
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/MiDouTech/myTapd --skill pol-probe-midoutech

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps teams define and document a Proof of Life (PoL) probe to cheaply surface harsh truths about a risky hypothesis before investing in production-quality development. It prevents prototype theater by forcing a narrow, falsifiable experiment with a clear disposal plan and measurable success criteria.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Concise probe template: A one-page structure that captures hypothesis, risk, prototype type, target users, success criteria, tools, timeline, disposal plan, owner, and status checklist.
  • Five probe flavors: Guidance for feasibility checks, task-focused tests, narrative prototypes, synthetic data simulations, and vibe-coded probes so you pick the cheapest method that answers the question.
  • Quality checklist and pitfalls: Pre-launch checklist and common failure modes to keep experiments lightweight, disposable, and brutally honest.
  • Use case: Validate technical feasibility, confirm a critical task flow, test stakeholder buy-in, or simulate data without building an MVP.

Quick Start

Define a single falsifiable hypothesis, fill the PoL probe template with success criteria and a disposal date, recruit a small set of participants, run the 1–3 day test, and document learnings for decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions about pol-probe

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What is a proof of life probe and when do I need to run one?▼

A proof of life probe is a lightweight, disposable experiment used to validate a narrow hypothesis before building production software. You need it to cheaply surface harsh truths about risky feasibility, usability, or data assumptions before investing in a full MVP.

How do I validate a risky hypothesis without building a full MVP?▼

To validate a risky hypothesis without an MVP, define a single falsifiable assumption, fill a probe template with success criteria and a disposal date, recruit a few participants, run a 1-3 day test, and document learnings for decision-making.

Can I use a disposable probe for usability testing and data simulation?▼

Yes, disposable probes support task-focused usability tests, synthetic data simulations, feasibility checks, narrative prototypes, and vibe-coded experiments, letting you pick the cheapest method that answers your specific question.

What is the best way to prevent prototype theater during early validation?▼

The best way to prevent prototype theater is by forcing a narrow, falsifiable experiment with a clear disposal plan and measurable success criteria, ensuring your probe remains brutally honest and lightweight within a 1-5 day execution timeline.

What should be included in a proof of life probe plan?▼

A proof of life probe plan must include the hypothesis, risk, prototype type, target users, success criteria, tools, timeline, owner, and a disposal plan, providing a compact one-page structure for rapid reconnaissance.

Does a proof of life probe work for technical feasibility checks in a few days?▼

Yes, proof of life probes are designed for 1-5 day execution, making them highly effective for rapid technical feasibility checks and vibe-coded experiments that surface critical risks early without production overhead.