Identify core assumptions behind an idea

Every product idea rests on assumptions about the problem, the audience, and the value offered. If those assumptions are wrong, the idea can collapse as soon as it meets the market. The first step is to make them visible. Breaking down a concept into its riskiest points allows teams to see what needs testing before significant resources are invested.

Once assumptions are clear, they can be turned into hypotheses and tested through specific methods:

• Interviews and focus groups can validate whether the problem really exists.
• Surveys can measure how widespread it is and whether people are willing to pay.
• Landing page experiments and pre-order campaigns provide direct behavioral signals about intent.

Each of these tools reduces uncertainty and transforms guesswork into evidence. By working through the riskiest assumptions first, teams create a structured path that helps ideas move forward with greater confidence.