Glossary
Core Terms
Assumption
A belief or hypothesis that must be true for your solution to work. Assumptions are unproven until validated through experimentation.
Critical Assumption
An assumption that, if proven false, would invalidate the core value proposition or make the solution non-viable. Critical assumptions are high-risk and must be tested early.
Experiment
A structured test designed to validate or invalidate a specific hypothesis. Experiments produce measurable outcomes that inform decision-making.
Hypothesis
A testable statement that predicts an outcome. Format: "We believe [assumption]. If [condition], then [outcome]. We'll know this is true when [metric]."
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
The smallest version of a product that allows you to test critical assumptions and learn from real users with minimal effort.
Value Proposition
A clear statement of the unique value your solution provides to specific users in specific situations.
Process Terms
Cadence
The rhythm and pace of work cycles, including sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.
Exit Criteria
Specific, measurable conditions that must be met before a phase or activity is considered complete.
Inputs
Materials, information, or artifacts required before starting an activity.
Artifacts
Tangible deliverables produced during an activity (e.g., PRD, experiment plan, hypothesis canvas).
Jobs-to-Be-Done (JTBD)
A framework for understanding what users are trying to accomplish: "When [context], I want to [goal], so that [outcome]."
Measurement Terms
Key Metric
A quantifiable measure used to evaluate success or progress toward an outcome.
Leading Indicator
A metric that predicts future outcomes (e.g., user engagement signals before retention).
Lagging Indicator
A metric that reflects past outcomes (e.g., revenue, retention).
Baseline
The current state before making changes, used for comparison.
Innovation Terms
Thin Vertical
A narrow, complete user journey that demonstrates end-to-end value, even if limited in scope.
Thin Horizontal
A broad feature set that covers many scenarios but may not be complete in any single journey.
Iteration
A cycle of building, measuring, and learning to improve the product.
Pivot
A fundamental change in strategy based on learning that the current approach won't achieve the desired outcome.
Documentation Terms
Template
A reusable structure or format for creating consistent artifacts.
Worked Example
A complete, real-world example showing how to apply a concept or use a template.
Checklist
A quick reference list of items to verify or complete.
Self-Assessment
A reflective exercise or quiz to evaluate understanding or readiness.
Swift CNS Terms
Swift CNS
Swift Racks-specific context, norms, and standards relevant to the guide.
Acronyms
PM: Product Manager
Dev: Developer
PRD: Product Requirements Document
MVP: Minimum Viable Product
JTBD: Jobs-to-Be-Done
CNS: Context, Norms, Standards
Related Terms
Terms that appear together or are related:
Assumption → Critical Assumption → Hypothesis → Experiment
Inputs → Activities → Artifacts → Exit Criteria
MVP → Thin Vertical → Iteration → Pivot
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