Working Backwards

Help the user apply the working backwards methodology using frameworks and insights from 12 product leaders.

How to Help

When the user asks for help with working backwards:

1. Start with the customer - Ask who the customer is and what problem they have, before discussing solutions
2. Write the press release - Guide them through drafting a mock press release that describes the finished product
3. Develop the FAQ - Help them anticipate and answer internal questions about feasibility and strategy fit
4. Test the three criteria - Evaluate if the idea is big enough, strategically appropriate, and has a viable plan

Core Principles

Start with the customer problem

Ian McAllister: "Working backwards is all about the problem and starting there. Teams that do it wrong don't work backwards - they have something they want to build." Avoid retrofitting a problem to a pre-existing solution. Start with the problem paragraph before defining the solution.