BUILDING OPERATIONS FOR A STARTUP - SHOW 9 (chapter NINE): CREATING YOUR TESTING VARIABLES - PART 1 - WILLIAM EASTMAN

Today is Show 9 and we plunge into the depths of details. We are going to cover how the company's executive, you the owner, and the people building the new MVO need to interact with prospective customers.

This is a final validation of the offer characteristics and design specifications before starting the prototype. It will be build with feedback along the way so this isn't the only bite at the apple, just the second. You are testing all of the information assembled and validating your understanding is correct.

EPISODE 29: COMPONENT TESTING & ALL UP
This is an external testing methodology and starts with the mindset of 'All Up'. It is termed from the space program that a rocket with over million parts can only be tested during flight since it is not reusable. That puts maximum pressure on testing the component pieces along the way. If the components work, you are assuming the final assembly will work.

The second issue is when testing the components, there is enough functionality that a solid conclusion can be drawn.

Topics:

• Usability
• Performance (Results)
• Emotional Connection

EPISODE 30: VALIDATE PRODUCT (SERVICE) CHARACTERISTICS
We are going to use the same approach for two of the three segments. You have two individuals/groups working - the boss and the design team. 

The owner's job is to interact with their peers to gain feedback on the 3 areas of concern - usability, performance, and connection with the offer. You can also venture into pricing by establishing what is the maximum you can charge.

The design team works with prospective customers to validate all of the functionality and features you intend to build.

Topics:

• Executive Meetings with 'decision makers' - multiple customers
• Focus Groups between 'buyers & users' and designers - 1 customer

EPISODE 31: VALIDATE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
The second test is the out layer and an internal activity. Before we start building it answers the key question - is it manufacturable for the targeted price point. 

Topics:​

• Process
• Design
• Material
• Environment
• Compliance/Testing

EPISODE 32: VALIDATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN P/S CHARACTERISTICS & DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
The last test is sharing the relationship between what the customer wants and how to build it. Here is an opportunity to build some street cred as a quality company, regardless whether you are building a product or service.

Topics:

• Executive Meetings with 'decision makers' - multiple customers
• Focus Groups between 'buyers & users' and designers - 1 customer

Next Show: Creating a list of testing variables part 2

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