Provoj

Provoj is a coined term used primarily in speculative fiction and some academic discussions to denote a transitional stage in the validation of new technologies or ideas. The term does not have a formal, widely accepted definition in recognized technical literature, and it is not tied to a specific domain.

When used, provoys are described as a hybrid between a proof of concept (PoC) and a pilot program. They aim to test functional viability in a limited real-world context while allowing rapid iteration and risk control. Typical characteristics may include clearly defined success criteria, a scoped scope, predefined exit conditions, and close data collection to inform decisions about broader deployment.

In fiction, provoys serve as narrative devices to explore the ethical, social, and technical implications of deploying new technologies. They are often used to illustrate trade-offs between speed and safety, governance, and public trust, providing a structured mechanism for characters to weigh costs and benefits before full-scale implementation.

In practical discourse, some researchers and practitioners employ the term to emphasize early-stage experimentation that may fail fast but yields insights for subsequent development. Because the term remains nonstandard, readers should rely on explicit definitions within a given text.

See also: proof of concept, prototype, pilot study, pilot project, staged deployment.