Opportunity Mapping
Opportunity Solution Tree (OST)
Connects desired outcomes to opportunities to solution ideas:
Desired Outcome
|
+-- Opportunity 1 (score)
| +-- Solution Idea A
| +-- Solution Idea B
|
+-- Opportunity 2 (score)
| +-- Solution Idea C
|
+-- Opportunity 3 (score)
+-- Solution Idea D
+-- Solution Idea E
Building the OST
- Define desired outcome from customer research
- Map opportunities from interview insights (min 5 distinct)
- Score each using Opportunity Algorithm
- Generate solution ideas for top 2-3
- Seek real diversity in solutions (avoid variations of same idea)
Opportunity Scoring Algorithm
Formula: Score = Importance + Max(0, Importance - Satisfaction) Importance: 1-10 | Satisfaction: 1-10 | Max score: 20
| Score | Meaning | Action | |-------|---------|--------| | >8 | High importance, satisfaction gap -- underserved | Pursue | | 5-8 | Moderate importance or partially served | Evaluate | | <5 | Low importance or well-served | Deprioritize |
Process: gather importance + satisfaction from 5+ interviews, calculate per opportunity, rank, select top 2-3.
Job Mapping (JTBD)
Universal Job Map Steps
| Step | Goal | Outcome Format | |------|------|---------------| | Define | Determine what needs doing | Minimize time to identify [object] | | Locate | Find inputs/information | Minimize time to gather [resources] | | Prepare | Ready inputs for use | Minimize likelihood of missing [requirements] | | Confirm | Verify readiness | Minimize likelihood of incorrect [categorization] | | Execute | Perform core task | Minimize time from [start] to [completion] | | Monitor | Track progress | Minimize uncertainty about [status] | | Modify | Adjust if needed | Minimize effort to correct [issues] | | Conclude | Complete the job | Minimize time from [completion] to [result] |
Outcome statement format: [Direction] + [Metric] + [Object] + [Clarifier] Example: "Minimize the time it takes to identify which project budget a new expense should be allocated to"
Lean Canvas
One-page business model for Phase 4 viability validation.
- Problem: Top 3 problems (Phase 1 validated) | 2. Customer Segments: by JTBD
- UVP: single clear message | 4. Solution: top 3 features for top problems
- Channels: path to customers (Phase 4 validated) | 6. Revenue Streams: monetization
- Cost Structure: key costs | 8. Key Metrics: activity metrics
- Unfair Advantage: not easily copied
4 Big Risks
| Risk | Question | Validation | |------|----------|-----------| | Value | Will customers want this? | Interviews, fake doors | | Usability | Can customers use this? | Prototype testing, task completion | | Feasibility | Can we build this? | Spikes, expert review | | Viability | Business model works? | Lean Canvas, stakeholder review |
Technique Selection Guide
| Goal | Techniques | |------|-----------| | Validate problem | Mom Test, Job Mapping | | Understand needs | Outcome Statements, Opportunity Mapping | | Prioritize opportunities | OST, Opportunity Algorithm | | Generate solutions | Ideation with OST constraints | | Validate solution value | Hypothesis Testing, Prototypes | | Test usability | Prototype testing, Task completion | | Assess feasibility | 4 Risks, Spikes | | Structure business model | Lean Canvas | | Continuous learning | Weekly customer touchpoints |