Discovery Methods Toolbox
Pick the right research method for the question. Learn how to run interviews, surveys, product data checks, quick prototypes, diary studies, and usability tests. See strengths and limits of each, and how to combine methods without heavy process.
Lessons
How to plan a 30 minute discovery interview
How to write neutral interview questions
How to capture interviews without losing focus
When surveys beat interviews
How to pilot your survey in one hour
How to read basic survey results
Use product data to spot real problems
How to run a quick funnel check for discovery
How to use session replays and heatmaps to confirm user friction
How to mine support tickets and reviews for insights
Low fidelity first for concept checks
How to run a 15-minute concept walkthrough
How to create mid fidelity prototypes without waste
Usability vs desirability vs feasibility
How to run basic moderated usability tests
How to run unmoderated usability tests that actually teach
How to conduct card sorting for better navigation
How to run tree testing for navigation
How to run five second and copy tests
Diary studies when behavior unfolds over time
How to set up a one week diary study
Use multiple sources for stronger signals
How to apply method bundles for common research needs
How to recruit and schedule users with matching sources
How to work with small samples without fooling yourself
How to turn findings into next questions
Avoiding method theater in product development
When to switch research methods
Part of Product Discovery
Master product discovery: methods, cadence, and opportunity mapping that turn insights into action.
View full courseOther modules in this course
Discovery Principles & Operating System
Set up the habits, roles, rules, and rhythms that make discovery continuous.
Recruiting System & Sampling
Build a repeatable system to find, screen, schedule, and maintain the right participants every week.
Insight Pipeline & Repository (AI-assist)
Build a clean insight pipeline from capture to synthesis, then store findings in a simple, searchable repository.
Opportunity Mapping Methods
Turn raw insights into a clear map of opportunities that tie to outcomes.
Assumption Mapping & Risk Reduction
Identify what must be true for your idea to succeed, map those assumptions by importance and evidence, then run the smallest tests that can break the risky ones first.
From Insight to Bets
Turn solid insights into clear product bets. You'll learn how to write a short opportunity brief, frame falsifiable hypotheses, set success and guardrail metrics.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Rituals
Make discovery a team sport. Set up simple rituals with design, engineering, and stakeholders so learning turns into decisions.
Discovery Governance & KPIs
Put light structure around discovery so teams make better decisions without red tape.
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