epic-hypothesis

Purpose

Frame epics as testable hypotheses using an if/then structure that articulates the action or solution, the target beneficiary, the expected outcome, and how you'll validate success. Use this to manage uncertainty in product development by making assumptions explicit, defining lightweight experiments ("tiny acts of discovery"), and establishing measurable success criteria before committing to full build-out.

This is not a requirements spec—it's a hypothesis you're testing, not a feature you're committed to shipping.

Key Concepts

The Epic Hypothesis Framework

Inspired by Tim Herbig's Lean UX hypothesis format, the structure is:

If/Then Hypothesis:

• If we [action or solution on behalf of target persona]
• for [target persona]
• Then we will [attain or achieve a desirable outcome or job-to-be-done]

Tiny Acts of Discovery Experiments:

• We will test our assumption by:
  • [Experiment 1]