methodatlas
Product Discovery

MVP Test Matrix

Moves customer problem, solution idea, and evidence toward a concrete result through "list assumptions", "map assumptions to dimensions", and "derive the test plan".

Core question
Which test format best fits each assumption, and which mix of formats tests the open assumption pipeline most efficiently?
MediumWorkshop45-75 min
Open runsheetPlan sessionStart comparison
Purpose

Helps clarify customer problem, solution idea, and evidence in concrete terms. It separates problem, assumption, solution, and evidence. The result is captured as a Test Matrix and a Test Plan.

How it works

The team follows the steps "list assumptions", "map assumptions to dimensions", "record available test formats", "discuss the best format for each assumption", and "derive the test plan". Each step is made visible. At the end, a Test Matrix and a Test Plan are available so decisions, tests, or actions can continue directly.

Visual orientation

Method sketch for a quick mental model.

MVP Test Matrix · Assumption Meets Test FormatSort assumptions by desirability, feasibility, and viability and choose suitable test formats such as interview, fake door, concierge, or smoke test
MVP Test MatrixThe visual shows assumptions, a matrix of Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability against Interview, Fake Door, Concierge, and Smoke Test, plus a test plan.Choose test formats by assumption typeThe matrix prevents reflex MVPs: clarify learning goal and assumption type first, then choose the smallest fitting test format.Assumptionswhat should the test learn?MVP test matrixInterviewFake DoorConciergeSmokeDesirabilitydo customers want it?Feasibilitycan we deliver it?Viabilitydoes it work economically?Test plancapture assumption, format,signal, and thresholdJustify formatnot every risk needs an MVPchoose format by learning goalmark match,then plan correctlyassumption first,then MVP formtest plan:justify format

Flow

  1. 1List assumptions
  2. 2Map assumptions to dimensions
  3. 3Record available test formats
  4. 4Discuss the best format for each assumption
  5. 5Derive the test plan

The runsheet guides execution with 4 phases, timeboxes, 5 pitfalls, and clear stop criteria.

Open runsheet

Ideal for

  • Discovery coaching
  • Innovation teams
  • Test backlog building

Not good for

  • Pure execution sprints

Deep dive

In detail

The MVP Test Matrix is based on work by Strategyzer and David Bland. It maps assumptions across three dimensions, often desirability, feasibility, and viability, and shows which test design fits each assumption best. That prevents teams from reflexively using the same format for every risk.

Facilitation

Bring concrete examples of common test formats. Ask the team to explain why a format fits, not only which one they choose.

Output artifacts
Test-MatrixTest-Plan
Tags
experimentsvalidationdiscoveryoptions

Sources

What is a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)? How to Get Startedatlassian.comMinimum viable product - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Artifact templates
MVP Test Matrix Working TemplateCompact working template for MVP Test Matrix with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
spreadsheet

mvp-test-matrix-working-template.md

Compact working template for MVP Test Matrix with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.

MVP Test Matrix Working Matrix

ElementDescriptionRatingEvidenceOwnerNext step
1
2
3

Output artifacts

  • Test Matrix:
  • Test Plan:

Decision or recommendation

What consequence follows from the matrix?

When to choose differently

Short decision aid for existing alternatives.

Experiment Canvas

Statt MVP Test Matrix, wenn du mit Experiment Canvas ein Experiment mit Ziel, Hypothese, Messung und Risiko klar vorbereiten willst.

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