A great run-down on how to run a good discovery phase for a digital service

How to run an effective digital service discovery phase
| GatherContent | Liam King, July 2015

This article provides a really good guide to some of the traps for new players when undertaking the discovery phase of digital service building.

Highlights

  • Assumptions should be supported by evidence – It is critically important to avoid confirmation bias. Assumptions that aren’t validated are most dangerous

  • I like that it suggests you test the viability of a digital service rather than accept it as a foregone conclusion

  • It is centred around users and opportunities and encourages involved staff to focus on users rather than pointing the finger

  • I must acknowledge my own bias towards user research and testing as critical parts of digital design

  • I also like that it acknowledges the risk of discovery suppliers suggesting changes or products merely to provide opportunities to profit

  • Also really happy that ‘put content in the spotlight’ is one of the core things to consider.