What’s an opportunity solution tree?

An opportunity solution tree is a visual tool that helps teams map out the steps to achieve a desired business outcome. It starts at the root with the outcome — this is the goal or business need your team aims to meet. From there, the tree branches into the opportunity space, which includes customer needs, pain points, and desires that, when addressed, will drive the desired outcome.

Next, you move into the solution space, where you brainstorm potential solutions that can solve the identified opportunities. Finally, at the base of the tree, you have assumption tests. These tests help validate whether the proposed solutions will effectively create customer value while also contributing to business goals. By visually mapping this process, teams can align their actions with customer and business needs in a structured, iterative way.