X.0.9 MGMT Phase Review: (0) Discovery

Overview

The purpose of the phase review is to confirm that every Discovery Growth Factor is complete and to make a go or no-go decision about moving into Planning.

The product review team, made up of all key decision makers, reviews every Growth Factor and approves the documents after any corrective actions are complete.

The decision to start developing a product is arguably the most important decision a company makes. The Discovery Growth Factors provide the information that supports it, and the phase review formalizes this critical decision point.

Why It Matters

The decision to start developing a product is one of the most important a company makes. It commits real resources on the strength of the Discovery work.

Phase Review formalizes that decision. It confirms that every Discovery Growth Factor is complete, brings the key decision makers together, and produces a clear go or no-go rather than a drift into development.

Without this checkpoint, teams slide into Planning with gaps they never named. The review makes the gaps visible while they are still cheap to fix.

What It Delivers

The Phase Review formalizes the transition from Discovery to Planning through systematic verification and a documented decision.

Growth Factor Completion Verification

Systematic confirmation that all eight Discovery Growth Factors meet their completion criteria.

Stakeholder Decision Alignment

All key decision makers review the evidence and formally approve proceeding to Planning.

Investment Decision Documentation

A formal record of the decision logic and the evidence supporting development investment.

Risk Assessment Completion

A final evaluation of market validation strength before committing Planning resources.

What It Includes

The review runs in three parts.

Completion Audit

A check that each Discovery Growth Factor meets its completion criteria and is approved.

Assessment

• Market validation strength, the quality of confirmation and purchase intent
• Competitive positioning clarity
• Financial viability, with realistic revenue and cost projections
• Stakeholder commitment, the alpha customer pipeline and engagement

Go or No-Go Decision Framework

• Sufficient evidence that stakeholders will buy
• Validated revenue projections and sustainable unit economics
• Clear differentiation against competition
• Team and financial capacity for Planning

Management Questions Answered

Have all of the phase Growth Factors been met?

Systematic verification that all eight Discovery Growth Factors are complete to their defined criteria.

Is this a product opportunity worth the resources to develop, launch, and promote it?

An evidence based investment decision supported by market validation, competitive analysis, and financial projections.

Success Indicators

This Growth Factor is complete when the following are true.

All Growth Factors Completed

Every Discovery Growth Factor meets its documented completion criteria with stakeholder approval.

Decision Maker Alignment

All key stakeholders have reviewed the evidence and formally approve proceeding to Planning.

Investment Justification

A clear business case supporting the decision to commit Planning resources.

Risk Mitigation

Identified concerns have been addressed or documented with mitigation strategies.