nw-opportunity-mapping

Opportunity Mapping

Opportunity Solution Tree (OST)

Connects desired outcomes to opportunities to solution ideas:

Desired Outcome
  |
  +-- Opportunity 1 (score)
  |     +-- Solution Idea A
  |     +-- Solution Idea B
  |
  +-- Opportunity 2 (score)
  |     +-- Solution Idea C
  |
  +-- Opportunity 3 (score)
        +-- Solution Idea D
        +-- Solution Idea E

Building the OST

1. Define desired outcome from customer research
2. Map opportunities from interview insights (min 5 distinct)
3. Score each using Opportunity Algorithm
4. Generate solution ideas for top 2-3
5. Seek real diversity in solutions (avoid variations of same idea)

Opportunity Scoring Algorithm

Formula: Score = Importance + Max(0, Importance - Satisfaction) Importance: 1-10 | Satisfaction: 1-10 | Max score: 20

Score	Meaning	Action
>8	High importance, satisfaction gap -- underserved	Pursue
5-8	Moderate importance or partially served	Evaluate
<5	Low importance or well-served	Deprioritize

Process: gather importance + satisfaction from 5+ interviews, calculate per opportunity, rank, select top 2-3.

Job Mapping (JTBD)

Universal Job Map Steps

Step	Goal	Outcome Format
Define	Determine what needs doing	Minimize time to identify [object]
Locate	Find inputs/information	Minimize time to gather [resources]
Prepare	Ready inputs for use	Minimize likelihood of missing [requirements]
Confirm	Verify readiness	Minimize likelihood of incorrect [categorization]
Execute	Perform core task	Minimize time from [start] to [completion]
Monitor	Track progress	Minimize uncertainty about [status]
Modify	Adjust if needed	Minimize effort to correct [issues]
Conclude	Complete the job	Minimize time from [completion] to [result]

Outcome statement format: [Direction] + [Metric] + [Object] + [Clarifier] Example: "Minimize the time it takes to identify which project budget a new expense should be allocated to"

Lean Canvas

One-page business model for Phase 4 viability validation.

1. Problem: Top 3 problems (Phase 1 validated) | 2. Customer Segments: by JTBD
2. UVP: single clear message | 4. Solution: top 3 features for top problems
3. Channels: path to customers (Phase 4 validated) | 6. Revenue Streams: monetization
4. Cost Structure: key costs | 8. Key Metrics: activity metrics
5. Unfair Advantage: not easily copied

4 Big Risks

Risk	Question	Validation
Value	Will customers want this?	Interviews, fake doors
Usability	Can customers use this?	Prototype testing, task completion
Feasibility	Can we build this?	Spikes, expert review
Viability	Business model works?	Lean Canvas, stakeholder review

Technique Selection Guide

Goal	Techniques
Validate problem	Mom Test, Job Mapping
Understand needs	Outcome Statements, Opportunity Mapping
Prioritize opportunities	OST, Opportunity Algorithm
Generate solutions	Ideation with OST constraints
Validate solution value	Hypothesis Testing, Prototypes
Test usability	Prototype testing, Task completion
Assess feasibility	4 Risks, Spikes
Structure business model	Lean Canvas
Continuous learning	Weekly customer touchpoints