Validating assumptions in product design

[Original video] Product design is a process of trial and error. We often make assumptions about how a product should work, but it's important to validate those assumptions to ensure that the product meets the needs of the customer. In this article, we'll explore some strategies for validating assumptions in product design.

Armchair quarterbacking

We've all done it: armchair quarterbacking other companies and their product design decisions. We criticize Facebook or think about how we could do things better with our own products. We might think that adding a certain feature or button would make a product better, but it's important to validate those assumptions before making any changes.

Hold it up to the mirror

My brother, who is also a product designer, likes to say "hold it up to the mirror and see if it cracks". This analogy perfectly describes the process of validating assumptions. We need to be willing to take feedback from customers and stakeholders to see if our product is hitting the mark.

Strategies for validating assumptions

There are several strategies for validating assumptions in product design.

• Analytics: Look at how the current product is being used. This provides a quantitative aspect to the process.

• Customer feedback: Have customers walk you through how they're using the product and what jobs they're doing with it.

• Tech stack: Look at the tech stack you're building upon. Is it old or new? Has it been invented or built yet?

• Market research: Look at how other people and their products are working and how it might map to yours.

Conclusion

Validating assumptions in product design is an important part of the process. It requires humility and a willingness to take feedback from customers and stakeholders. By holding our work up to the mirror, we can ensure that our product meets the needs of the customer.