Aglet

Verify a Discovery Assumption With a Clear Test

Verification asks whether the agreed test produced the behavior or learning condition that would justify the next product step. Decide the threshold before reviewing results. Compare the same task across relevant participants, preserve exceptions, and separate evidence for the assumption from evidence for a broader market claim.

Check whether the outcome improved

  1. Write the decision rule

    State the expected behavior, acceptable variation, and result that would weaken the assumption. Include who must be able to perform the behavior, under which conditions, and what counts as a useful explanation when behavior does not occur.

  2. Review matched evidence

    Apply the rule to the planned sample and inspect individual sessions alongside the aggregate. Compare first attempts with familiar users, record deviations in task wording, and identify whether missing context or facilitation changed the result.

  3. Report the tested boundary

    Explain which part of the belief the evidence supports and which part remains open. Record accessibility, recruitment, prototype fidelity, or timing limits. Choose the next product action only within the tested context.

What to carry forward

The verification record should state the rule, sample, observed result, exceptions, and limits. It may justify continuing, narrowing, or retesting the assumption within that context. It cannot establish broad demand when the test did not measure sustained use or a representative population.

Technical background: GOV.UK user research guidance.

Keep the decision with the work.

Use a Work Item in Aglet to record the problem, the evidence you have, and the next decision. Add an owner and priority, then keep updates in the discussion so the next person can follow the reasoning.

Create an account See the product workflow