Opportunity Solution Tree
Map desired outcomes to concrete solutions without jumping to features. Teresa Torres’ framework keeps product discovery anchored in real user needs.
1. Define the outcome
Start with a single measurable business or user outcome. Avoid outputs like “build a dashboard.” Instead: “Reduce time to first insight by 40%.”
2. Identify opportunities
Interview users and surface unmet needs, pain points, and desires. Each opportunity answers: “If we solved this, would it move the outcome?”
3. Brainstorm solutions
For each high-value opportunity, generate multiple solution ideas. Resist the urge to commit early. Quantity over quality at this stage.
4. Test assumptions
Pick the riskiest assumption behind your top solution. Run a lightweight experiment — prototype, concierge test, or fake door — before writing production code.
Pro tip
Keep your tree visible during sprint planning. When someone proposes a feature, trace it back to an opportunity. No parent? It’s out of scope.