The “Build-Measure-Learn” Feedback Loop in Scrum
The “build-measure-learn” feedback loop is a fundamental concept in Lean Startup methodology and is widely used in Scrum and Agile practices. It focuses on minimizing project risk and enabling teams to learn quickly through iterative development and continuous feedback.
Exam Question
The “build-measure-learn” feedback loop minimizes project risk and enables teams to learn quickly. Teams design and run experiments in order to:
(choose the best two answers)
A. To validate their hypotheses.
B. To become more efficient.
C. To learn as early as possible.
D. To satisfy the stakeholders.
Correct Answers
A. To validate their hypotheses.
C. To learn as early as possible.
Explanation
Correct Answers
A. To validate their hypotheses:
The primary purpose of designing and running experiments is to validate or refute hypotheses. By testing assumptions early, teams can ensure that they are building the right product and addressing the right problems. This helps in avoiding wasted effort on features or solutions that do not meet user needs or solve the intended problems.
C. To learn as early as possible:
Learning early and quickly is a core principle of the “build-measure-learn” loop. Early learning allows teams to make informed decisions, pivot if necessary, and continuously improve the product. This approach helps in minimizing risks and adapting to changes based on real feedback.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
B. To become more efficient:
While becoming more efficient is a benefit of the iterative process, it is not the primary goal of running experiments in the “build-measure-learn” loop. The focus is on validation and learning rather than just efficiency.
D. To satisfy the stakeholders:
Satisfying stakeholders is important, but the main objective of the “build-measure-learn” loop is to validate hypotheses and learn quickly. This ultimately leads to stakeholder satisfaction as the product evolves based on validated learning and real user needs.
Benefits of the “Build-Measure-Learn” Feedback Loop
- Risk Reduction: By validating hypotheses early, teams can reduce the risk of building features that do not deliver value.
- Informed Decisions: Continuous learning provides the information needed to make informed decisions about the product’s direction.
- Adaptability: Teams can pivot or adjust their approach based on the feedback received from experiments, ensuring the product remains aligned with user needs.
- Efficiency: Although not the primary goal, the iterative nature of the loop can lead to increased efficiency by focusing efforts on validated and valuable work.
Effective Practices for Running Experiments
- Define Clear Hypotheses: Start with clear, testable hypotheses to guide the experiments.
- Measure Relevant Metrics: Focus on metrics that provide meaningful insights into whether the hypothesis is valid.
- Iterate Quickly: Run experiments in short cycles to gather feedback and learn rapidly.
- Use Real User Feedback: Ensure that the experiments involve real users to gather authentic and actionable feedback.
Relevance to the PSU I Exam
Understanding the purpose and benefits of the “build-measure-learn” feedback loop is crucial for the PSU I exam. It demonstrates the ability to use iterative development and continuous feedback to minimize risks and create user-centered products.
Key Takeaways
- Teams design and run experiments primarily to validate their hypotheses and to learn as early as possible.
- The “build-measure-learn” loop helps in minimizing risks, making informed decisions, and adapting quickly based on real user feedback.
- Efficient practices include defining clear hypotheses, measuring relevant metrics, iterating quickly, and using real user feedback.
Conclusion
The “build-measure-learn” feedback loop is essential for minimizing project risk and enabling teams to learn quickly. By focusing on validating hypotheses and learning early, teams can create more effective and user-centered products. For more information on preparing for the PSU I exam, visit our Professional Scrum with UX PSU I™ Exam Prep.
