Lean Startup Workflow
Build-Measure-Learn: The core feedback loop for validated learning
The Lean Startup Process
Ideas: Form Hypothesis
Start with a clear hypothesis about your customer's problem and your proposed solution. Write it as: "We believe [target customer] has [this problem] and will [take this action] if we provide [this solution]."
Example: "We believe busy professionals have trouble finding healthy lunch options and will pay $15/meal if we provide fresh, customizable salads delivered in 20 minutes."
Build: Create MVP
Build the minimum viable product that allows you to test your hypothesis. This isn't about perfection - it's about learning. Your MVP should be the smallest thing that delivers value and generates learning.
MVP types: Landing page, Concierge MVP, Wizard of Oz, Single feature app
Learn about MVP typesMeasure: Collect Data
Define key metrics before launch. Focus on actionable metrics (not vanity metrics). Track user behavior, engagement, and conversion. Use cohort analysis to understand user retention over time.
Key metrics: Customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, churn rate, activation rate, referral rate
Learn: Analyze & Decide
Compare results to your hypothesis. Did customers behave as expected? What surprised you? Use this data to validate or invalidate your assumptions. This is where you decide: pivot or persevere?
Questions to ask: Are we solving a real problem? Is our solution working? Can we build a sustainable business?
Pivot or Persevere
Based on your learning, make a decision. Persevere if you're seeing traction and validation. Pivot if your hypothesis was wrong - change your approach, target customer, or problem focus. Either way, start the cycle again with new insights.
Types of pivots: Zoom-in, zoom-out, customer segment, customer need, platform, business architecture, value capture, engine of growth, channel, technology
The Build-Measure-Learn Loop
The goal: Minimize total time through this loop
Key Principles to Remember
- •Validated learning is the measure of progress
- •Build only what you need to test your riskiest assumption
- •Get out of the building and talk to real customers
- •Fail fast to succeed sooner
- •Small batches reduce risk and increase learning speed
Ready to implement Lean Startup?
We can help you build and validate your MVP using Lean Startup principles.