Comparing project-based and continuous discovery

Project-based discovery typically happens at the start of an initiative. Teams might conduct a round of interviews or usability tests, summarize the findings, and then move into delivery. Once development begins, discovery often stops. The result is that important product decisions later in the process are made without fresh user input, relying instead on early assumptions.

Continuous discovery takes a different approach. Instead of treating discovery as a one-off phase, it becomes a routine practice embedded throughout the product lifecycle. Teams engage with users regularly, using methods such as weekly interviews, prototype testing, and assumption validation. This ensures that decisions are guided by recent and relevant insights, reducing the risk of building solutions that miss the mark.^[1]

By comparing the two, it becomes clear why project-based discovery supports static roadmaps, while continuous discovery enables dynamic ones. A roadmap informed by ongoing feedback can evolve as user needs, markets, and priorities change.^[2]