eigenquestion-product-assessment

The Eigenquestion Assessment is a "coded" test that separates candidates who get bogged down in details from those who can identify the core drivers of a business. By using a hypothetical scenario, you remove domain bias and force the candidate to demonstrate their mental model for decision-making.

The Process

1. The Setup

Present a low-stakes, high-impact hypothetical scenario. The goal is to provide a blank slate with infinite possibilities.

• The Prompt: "A group of scientists has invented a teleportation device. They’ve hired you to be their business counterpart to bring this to market. What do you do?"
• The Observation Phase: Allow the candidate to ask initial clarifying questions. They will likely ask about range, safety, size, or power requirements. Do not provide detailed answers; keep them brief.

2. The Constraint (The Pivot)

Once the candidate has generated a list of questions, introduce a hard constraint to force prioritization.

• The Pivot: "The scientists are annoyed by your questions. They will only answer two of your questions. After that, they expect a full strategic plan. What two questions do you ask?"

3. Identifying the Eigenquestions

An Eigenquestion is a question where the answer provides the answer to many other questions. Evaluate if the candidate's chosen questions allow them to create a decision matrix or quadrants.

• Good Eigenquestions: Address existential risks (safety) or business models (cost structure).
• Weak Questions: Address cosmetic or incremental details (color, size, branding) that don't fundamentally change the product's "class" or target market.