1. Value:
• The product idea must address real market needs and have demand.
2. Usability:
• Users should be able to start using the product quickly and without much friction.
3. Feasibility:
• The product idea should be buildable within reasonable time and cost.
4. Viability:
• The idea should make business sense and not create risks for the current business.
5. AFTER Framework:
• Assessment: Quick evaluation of potential and risk without external research.
• Fact Finding: Actively gathering data to support or refute the idea.
• Tests: Putting versions of the idea in front of users and measuring reactions.
• Experiments: Conducting quantitative tests to control against false results.
• Release Results: Gradually releasing the product and monitoring reactions.
6. Assessment Techniques:
• Goals Alignment: Ensuring the idea aligns with business goals.
• ICE Analysis: Scoring ideas based on Impact, Confidence, and Ease.
• Business Modeling: Checking if the idea is business-viable using models like the Business Model Canvas.
7. Fact-Finding Methods:
• Data Analysis: Using log data, clickstreams, and user feedback.
• User/Customer Interviews: Understanding why users behave in certain ways.
• Field Research: Observing users in their natural environment.
• Surveys: Collecting data from many users quickly.
8. Testing Methods:
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP): The smallest version of a product that allows learning.
• Smoke Tests: Testing demand for a non-existent product.
• Usability Tests: Observing users trying the product.
• Human Operated Tests: Simulating functionality with human intervention.
9. Experiments:
• A/B Tests: Comparing user response to two versions of a product.
• A/B/n Tests: Comparing multiple versions.
• Multivariate Tests: Testing changes in multiple variables at once.
10. Release Strategies:
• Release Tests: Conducting large-scale A/B tests at rollout milestones.
• Holdback Experiments: Keeping a small group with the old version to monitor changes.
11. Interpreting Results:
• Analyzing data to determine reliability, positivity, and strength of evidence.
12. Systematic Approach:
• Integrating idea validation into a structured system like the GIST framework (Goals, Ideas, Steps, Tasks).