Ideate

Run a pre-mortem

Imagine the concept failed a year from now, and work out why.

How to do it

1. Add the assumption map if you have one.
2. Read the failure stories, riskiest first.
3. Test first what would hurt most and is most likely.

Tip. Stories that existing research already makes likely cite it, so you can tell worry from warning.

The result is a critique, not research. Treat it as a list of things to check, never as evidence.

What you need

Start from:

• Concept

It is better with: Assumption map, Persona, Insight, Test report, Product matrix or Tensions.

What you get: Pre-mortem

A pre-mortem template has these sections:

• Failure stories
• Early warning signs
• What to test first

Where it fits

• Develop (Double Diamond): Explore many answers, then pick the strongest.

Usually comes after

• Ideate concepts
• Vary the concept

Templates that use it

• Double Diamond: A whole project, from understanding a problem to a tested answer.
• Assumption-led (Lean UX): You already have an idea. What could sink it?
• Continuous discovery: A product team learning every week towards one outcome.