pol-probe-advisor

## Purpose Guide product managers through selecting the right **Proof of Life (PoL) probe** type (of 5 flavors) based on their hypothesis, risk, and available resources. Use this when you need to eliminate a specific risk or test a narrow hypothesis, but aren't sure which validation method to use. This interactive skill ensures you match the cheapest prototype to the harshest truth—not the prototype you're most comfortable building. This is **not** a tool for deciding *if* you should validate (you should). It's a decision framework for choosing *how* to validate most effectively. ## Key Concepts ### The Core Problem: Method-Hypothesis Mismatch **Common failure mode:** PMs choose validation methods based on tooling comfort ("I know Figma, so I'll design a prototype") rather than learning goal. Result: validate the wrong thing, miss the actual risk. **Solution:** Work backwards from the hypothesis. Ask: "What specific risk am I eliminating? What's the cheapest path to harsh truth?" --- ### The 5 PoL Probe Flavors (Quick Reference) | Type | Core Question | Best For | Timeline | |------|---------------|----------|----------| | **Feasibility Check** | "Can we build this?" | Technical unknowns, API dependencies, data integrity | 1-2 days | | **Task-Focused Test** | "Can users complete this job without friction?" | Critical UI moments, field labels, decision points | 2-5 days | | **Narrative Prototype** | "Does this workflow earn stakeholder buy-in?" | Storytelling, explain...