The Power of Assumption Testing: De-Risking Your Product Strategy

Why Assumptions Matter

Assumptions are the foundation upon which your product strategy is built. They inform your decisions about what features to build, how to market your product, and what revenue streams to pursue. However, if these assumptions prove incorrect, your entire strategy can unravel.

The Dangers of Unvalidated Assumptions

When assumptions go untested, they can lead to costly mistakes and wasted resources. This is because unvalidated assumptions can result in:

• Late-stage testing: Testing entire initiatives rather than individual assumptions can lead to costly and time-consuming revisions.
• Unclear results: When multiple assumptions are tested simultaneously, it can be challenging to determine which ones contributed to the outcome.

A Framework for Assumption Testing

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to adopt a structured approach to assumption testing. This involves:

1. Identifying assumptions: Recognize the assumptions that underpin your product strategy.
2. Mapping assumptions: Prioritize assumptions based on their importance and confidence level.
3. Testing assumptions: Validate or invalidate assumptions using a range of techniques.

Types of Assumptions

There are four primary types of assumptions:

• Desirability: Will users find your solution valuable?
• Viability: Will your solution drive business benefits?
• Feasibility: Can your solution be implemented within reasonable constraints?
• Usability: Will users find your solution intuitive and easy to use?

Techniques for Testing Assumptions

Various techniques can be employed to test assumptions, including:

• Interviews and surveys: Validate desirability assumptions by speaking with potential users.
• Usability testing: Test usability assumptions by observing users interacting with your product.
• Market analysis: Analyze market trends and competitors to validate viability assumptions.
• Technical investigation: Assess feasibility assumptions through technical research and proof-of-concepts.

// Example of a simple assumption map data structure
const assumptionMap = {
  assumptions: [
    {
      id: 1,
      type: 'desirability',
      description