Test assumptions through experimentation from "summary" of Product Management in Practice by Matt LeMay
Product managers must be willing to challenge their assumptions by putting them to the test through experimentation. This means taking a hypothesis or belief about a product or feature and designing experiments to gather data that either supports or refutes those assumptions. By actively seeking out data to validate or invalidate their assumptions, product managers can make more informed decisions about the direction of a product. Experimentation allows product managers to move beyond intuition and gut feelings, instead relying on concrete data to guide their decision-making process. This data-driven approach helps to reduce the risk of making costly mistakes based on unfounded assumptions. It also enables product managers to learn quickly from failures and iterate on their ideas to create more successful products. When designing experiments, product managers must be clear about the goal they are trying to achieve and the specific assumptions they are testing. They should also consider what data points will be most relevant to measure the success or failure of the experiment. By being intentional about the design of their experiments, product managers can ensure that they are gathering the right data to inform their decisions. Product managers should also be open to adjusting their assumptions based on the results of their experiments. If the data suggests that their initial hypothesis was incorrect, they should be willing to pivot and explore new ideas. This flexibility is key to effective experimentation and can lead to breakthrough insights that drive product innovation.- Testing assumptions through experimentation is a foundational principle of effective product management. By approaching product development with a mindset of curiosity and a willingness to challenge their own beliefs, product managers can uncover valuable insights that help them create products that truly meet the needs of their customers.
