# Map the riskiest assumptions behind a product idea and test them cheaply

An assumption map ranked by risk, with a fast, low-cost experiment for each one that matters most.

- Topic: Thinking & Decisions
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Write, Brainstorm, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/map-the-riskiest-assumptions-behind-a-product-idea-and-test-them

## Prompt

```text
Help me surface and test the assumptions behind a product idea before we build it.

**Idea or solution:** [DESCRIPTION]
**Target users and problem:** [WHO, WHAT PAIN]
**Evidence we already have:** [RESEARCH, DATA, REQUESTS]
**Time and budget for testing:** [e.g. 2 weeks, no engineering]

Steps:
1. List assumptions in four groups: desirability (they want it), viability (it works for the business), feasibility (we can build it), and usability (they can use it). Write each as a testable statement.
2. Rate each on importance (if wrong, does the idea fail?) and evidence (strong / weak / none).
3. Pick the 3-5 that are high importance and low evidence.
4. For each, design the cheapest credible test: interview probe, fake-door or landing-page test, concierge or Wizard-of-Oz version, prototype test, data pull, or technical spike.

For each test, specify:
- Hypothesis in the form: we believe [X]; we will know we are right if [measurable signal] by [date].
- Method, sample size or number of participants, effort, and duration.
- Pass and fail thresholds set before running it.

Return an assumption table and the test cards. Flag any test that could mislead users (e.g. fake doors) and suggest an honest way to run it.
```

## What to fill in

- DESCRIPTION
- WHO, WHAT PAIN
- RESEARCH, DATA, REQUESTS
- e.g. 2 weeks, no engineering
- measurable signal
- date

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.