playbook

Skateboard Method

We believe that delightful digital products are best made in small, fully functional iterations–each capable of solving increasingly complex customer use cases. Each iteration allows us to take another small step in the right direction based on user feedback gathered along the way.

We understand the importance of quickly validating a product's market fit and direction. That's why we use the Skateboard Method in our product strategy work with clients. This method allows us to deliver quick, iterative wins while continuously testing and learning to validate the product's direction. By using this method, we aim to validate the product's direction and market fit as quickly and inexpensively as possible, while continuously learning from real users and making improvements to deliver a better product.

A sketch-style drawing shows two different possible progressions towards building a mobility solution. On the top are four drawings in a sequence. The first drawing is a single car wheel with an angry face, illustrating that nothing can be done with the wheel by itself. The second drawing is car wheels attached to a chassis, again with an angry face to illustrate that this is still not a functional solution. The third drawing is car wheels on a chassis with a car body but no steering wheel, again with an angry face to illustrate that this is still not a functional solution. The fourth and final drawing is a completed sedan-looking car, shown with a slightly smiling face indicating that a usable solution has finally been achieved. Underneath this sequence of four drawings is yet another sequence, this time of five drawings. The first drawing is a complete skateboard paired with a slightly frowning face, indicating that the solution is not what is desired, but is better than the non-functional solutions shown on the top row. The second drawing is a complete scooter paired with an expressionless face, indicating that this functional solution is slightly better than the skateboard. The third drawing is a complete bicycle paired with again with an expressionless face, indicating that this functional solution is still not quite the desired solution but is better than the non-functional solutions on the top row. The fourth drawing is a complete motorcycle paired with a slightly smiling face, indicating that this functional solution is as good as the final solution shown on the top row. A fifth and final drawing on the bottom row is a completed convertible car paired with a face with a large smile, indicating that this is the most desirable solution shown. The top row of sequential drawings has a large red “X” drawn over it with the label, “Not like this…” The bottom row of sequential drawings has a text label, “Like this!” indicating the recommendation to deliver small incremental solutions that are functionally complete, allowing you to collect feedback and ultimately build the right thing, rather than delivering only parts of a complete solution until ultimately delivering a sub-optimal solution.
the skateboard method

By using the Skateboard Method, our goal is to help our clients validate their product and find the right direction quickly and efficiently, while also delivering a delightful experience to users. This method is especially useful for startups and early-stage companies that need to validate their product before making a large investment.

Rolling to Success: Navigating Product Strategy with the Skateboard Method

The Skateboard Method is a valuable tool for product strategy, especially for startups and early-stage companies looking to validate their product and find the right direction quickly and efficiently. This method involves four steps that work together to help achieve this goal

Identifying the problem: In this step, we work with our client to understand the problem they are trying to solve and the needs of their target audience.

Building a Minimum Delightful Skateboard: Using the information gathered in the first step, we build a basic version of the product that solves the problem. This is a minimum delightful product that can be tested with real users.

Testing and Learning: We test the Minimum Delightful Skateboard with real users and gather feedback. This is used to validate the product's direction and market fit, and make any necessary adjustments.

Iterating and Improving: Based on the feedback gathered in step 3, we make improvements and add additional features to the product, with a focus on delivering the best possible user experience. This step is repeated as needed, with continuous testing and learning to validate the product's direction.

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