4 Qs - Experiment to Activate

Quintessential Thought

We’re in a series about unpacking composite attributes to increase clarity, alignment, and creativity. We’ve explored how to find supporting attributes that can make up a composite attribute, and then whittling the list down to a focused set of attributes.

Once you have a handful of supporting attributes, running experiments is a great way to unlock the creativity of your team and learn your way toward the composite attribute. Help those who are doing the work to create hypotheses: things they can do that might positively affect the desired outcome. Use the Change Hypothesis Template to clarify the hypothesis, select the smallest and most viable hypotheses, run experiments to test them, and observe the results.

A more robust framework for running empirical experiments toward larger goals is Evidence-Based Management. It describes effective goals, an iterative approach to make progress, and a set of Key Value Areas that empirically illuminate your current and desired realities.

Don’t be afraid to consider modifying the attributes as you go - you’re likely to discover things you missed or overstated. Collaboratively adapting these is a way to embody the qualities that will make your product development successful.

Quotes

“Every great journey starts with a single step.” – Maya Angelou

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” – Helen Keller

“The only relevant test of the validity of a hypothesis is comparison of prediction with experience.” - Milton Friedman

Quick Step

Collaboratively fill out the Change Hypothesis Template with your team to find a next step.

Question

What is getting in the way of your team taking action toward your most important composite attribute?

Professional Product Discovery and Validation, Jan 24

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