The 3Ds activity is a powerful tool for product teams to better understand their users and determine the next set of validations to focus on before diving into product development or proposing solutions. By exploring Desire, Data, and Doubt, teams can align on user motivations, current insights, and key uncertainties that need to be validated.
Step-by-step:
- Set the Stage:
Begin by reading this quote on human behavior from the sci-fi novel God-Emperor by Frank Herbert:
“Desire brings people together, Data sets the limits of their dialogue, Doubt frames the questions.”
Explain that the group will use this framework to explore Desire and Data about their users to formulate Doubt—the hypotheses to be validated. - Explain the 3Ds:
- Desire: What motivates our users? What do they desire that drives them to take action?
- Data: What current data do we have about our users’ actions and desires? What facts are known?
- Doubt: What uncertainties or doubts do we have? What do we need to validate before moving forward?
- Brainstorm and Note-Taking: Ask participants to write down their thoughts for each of the three areas: Desire, Data, and Doubt. Use sticky notes or a digital board to capture their ideas.
- Clustering and Discussion:
Group similar notes together and facilitate a conversation about the themes that emerge. Encourage participants to discuss how Desire and Data can help shape the Doubts or hypotheses that require validation.
This activity is particularly useful for product teams in the discovery phase, as it helps them gain a deeper understanding of their users before jumping into product development.
Inspired by the sci-fi novel God-Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert, this exercise draws on the quote: “Desire brings the participants together. Data sets the limits of their dialogue. Doubt frames the questions.”
Remote-team advice: This activity works well for remote teams. Use a remote board of your choice.