Proof of Usefulness Report

Second Order Effects

Analysis completed on 1/29/2026

+648
Proof of Usefulness Score
Category Standard

Second Order Effects is a verified, established engineering consultancy (founded 2016, 50-200 employees) solving high-complexity problems in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. The firm demonstrates exceptional real-world utility and technical innovation, with verifiable client projects including satellites and self-driving cars. However, the submission quality was extremely poor (vague claims like 'most people', missing financial data), which necessitated a significant penalty to the 'Response Quality' and 'Evidence of Traction' quality factors, despite the underlying business being highly successful.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+22.5
Audience Reach Impact+15.0
Technical Innovation+12.75
Evidence Of Traction+12.75
Market Timing Relevance+8.0
Functional Completeness+1.0
Subtotal+72
Usefulness Multiplierx0.9
Final Score+648

Project Details

Project URL
Description
Second Order Effects (SOE) is a California-based engineering firm specializing in custom electronics and end-to-end electronic system design. We develop cross-disciplined solutions and products to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems by optimizing solutions beyond the first order.\n\nSOE tackles a wide range of projects in the aerospace, automotive, industrial, and commercial sectors. We design and build flight control systems, wireless communication devices, power electronics, analog sensor interfaces, mixed-signal circuits, motor drivers, system controllers, video cameras, embedded computers, and optical and RF amplifiers, sensors, and antennas. Our designs have gone into rocket engines, satellites, self-driving cars, automated systems, and household/retail consumer electronics.

Algorithm Insights

Market Position
Strong market validation with clear user adoption patterns
User Engagement
Documented reach suggests active user community
Technical Stack
Modern tech stack aligned with sponsor technologies

Recommendations to Increase Usefulness Score

Document User Growth

Provide specific metrics on user acquisition and retention rates

Showcase Revenue Model

Detail sustainable monetization strategy and current revenue streams

Expand Evidence Base

Include testimonials, case studies, and third-party validation

Technical Roadmap

Share development milestones and feature completion timeline