Back
Product Discovery and how to implement it
In today’s fast-paced product development landscape, understanding your users’ needs is no longer optional—it’s essential. The presentation “Discovery/Delivery Knowledge Boost” dives deep into how a dual-track agile approach to Product Discovery and Delivery can transform the way teams develop solutions. Here’s an overview of the insights and practices shared.
Why Product Discovery Matters
Traditional product development often skips validation and launches with a fixed solution—frequently resulting in misaligned outcomes. As Marty Cagan defines it, Product Discovery is a methodical process to deeply understand real user problems and land on the best solutions. The goal is to tackle major risks early, such as:
- Value Risk: Will customers use or buy it?
- Usability Risk: Can users figure out how to use it?
- Feasibility Risk: Can the solution be built with the resources and technology available?
- Business Viability Risk: Does the solution align with business goals?
Discovery + Delivery: Two Parallel Tracks
The dual-track agile approach keeps both Product Discovery and Delivery in motion simultaneously. Discovery focuses on what to build, while Delivery brings those insights to life by actually building it. This synergy ensures that the solutions delivered are user-focused and practical.
- Discovery Techniques:
Teams leverage a mix of interviews, user surveys, workshops, competitor research, and technical investigations to frame the problem and ideate solutions. Tools like the Opportunity Solution Tree are used to visualize potential outcomes and paths to success. customers use or buy it?
- Delivery Process:
While engineers and designers traditionally lead the charge in Delivery, they are increasingly involved in Discovery. Engineers participate in technical evaluations, usability tests, and even prototype building, while designers adapt and validate designs to match evolving technical realities.