working-backwards

The Working Backwards process defines a customer problem and measurable outcome first, then works backward to the product. It prevents teams from building solutions in search of a problem by drafting a customer-focused press release and FAQs before development.

To write a PR/FAQ, draft a customer problem paragraph and a clear problem statement. Use templates and checklists to craft a press release narrative, external FAQ, internal FAQ, and a launch plan aligned to Bezos' three-prong tests.

Use the Working Backwards approach for new products or major features to ensure strategy alignment. It improves decision quality and reduces wasted effort by grounding product decisions in a clearly defined customer problem before building.

The Working Backwards method aligns with Bezos' three-prong tests by evaluating the big idea, viability, and legitimate plan. This framework improves decision quality and reduces wasted effort by ensuring the proposed product meets these criteria before development.

The Working Backwards process is designed for new products or major features where defining customer problems and measurable outcomes upfront is critical. It is not intended for minor product updates that lack the scale to require comprehensive PR/FAQ drafting.