Lightweight Product Discovery Process
A discovery loop that fits a two-week cadence, not a quarterly research project.
The 2-week discovery loop
- 1
Frame (Day 1)
Write a one-paragraph opportunity and what you need to learn. Name success and kill criteria.
- 2
Learn (Days 2–7)
5–8 conversations, a survey, or a fake-door test — pick one primary method.
- 3
Synthesize (Days 8–9)
Cluster themes. Link quotes and data to emerging decisions.
- 4
Decide (Day 10)
Proceed, pivot, or stop. Log the decision with evidence attached.
- 5
Build or next loop (Days 11–14)
Ship a thin slice or start the next learning cycle — do not stall in analysis.
Minimum discovery kit
- ✓ Interview script or test plan (one page)
- ✓ Place to store notes linked to the initiative
- ✓ Decision record template ready before interviews
- ✓ Calendar hold for synthesis — not "when we have time"