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.

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Acronyms

• PM: Product Manager

• Dev: Developer

• PRD: Product Requirements Document

• MVP: Minimum Viable Product

• JTBD: Jobs-to-Be-Done

• CNS: Context, Norms, Standards

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Related Terms

Terms that appear together or are related:

• Assumption → Critical Assumption → Hypothesis → Experiment

• Inputs → Activities → Artifacts → Exit Criteria

• MVP → Thin Vertical → Iteration → Pivot