The document is from Cowan Publishing and discusses the process of science and experimentation for startups in Tanzania. It explains that science involves recognizing a problem, collecting data through observation and experiment, and testing hypotheses. It then outlines several steps for startups to vet ideas through small, corrective experiments rather than large plans, organize hypotheses by outlining assumptions and tests, focus on validating assumptions through customer feedback, make sure to periodically check progress on metrics, and conclude with deciding whether to pivot or persevere based on learning. The document encourages learning from short cycle experiments to allow for quicker success.

1. Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
Hyper Lean
Startup’s in
Tanzania
Science & Technology
Module for Global
Knowledge Initiative

2. What is science, really?
Science
Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
Insight Inspiration
Hypothesis Hope
Experimentation Effort
Analysis Anxiety
Revision Redoubling
Not Science
Merriam-Webster: principles and procedures for the
systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and
formulation of a problem, the collection of data through
observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing
of hypotheses
ALEX COWAN
AlexanderCowan.com
@cowanSF

3. What is science, really?
Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
ALEX COWAN
AlexanderCowan.com
@cowanSF

4. What are we confronting?
Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
>Uncertainty
>Scarcity
ubiquitous in today’s recessionary, ultra-competitive
environment are
>Hyper present in Tanzania.
SO
Let’s take lots of
>Small, corrective shots at our goal
instead of one big one.
ALEX COWAN
AlexanderCowan.com
@cowanSF

5. What is predictive vs. adaptive?
Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
ALEX COWAN
AlexanderCowan.com
@cowanSF

6. 01: Vetting Ideas
Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
How do you identify and reality test new ideas?
>Invest in what you know
>Avoid excessive forward speculation/planning
>Consider the initial stakes to validate
ALEX COWAN
AlexanderCowan.com
@cowanSF

7. Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
How do we organize our hypothesis?
a. Lay out all the key assumptions
b. Which can be accepted at face value? Which have to be proven?
c. Which assumptions that do need to be proven are the most important?
Easiest to prove?
d. How will you prove the above? Focus on empirical, hands-on testing
with your target customers.
e. What is a reasonable time period to prove out the idea or determine
that it needs revision?
02 & 03: Hypothesis and Experimentation
ALEX COWAN
AlexanderCowan.com
@cowanSF

8. 04: Experimentation
Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
90% of success is showing up.
(paraphrasing Woody Allen)
> As you sit down for periodic check points, make sure
your team is focused on validating the top assumptions.
> Metrics are good. Vanity metrics are bad.
For example, increasing output is good. But increasing cost/output is bad.
For example:
>>Good: Applying capital and expertise to lower cost/output
>>Bad: Having two kids leave school or other jobs and only increasing
output a little.
ALEX COWAN
AlexanderCowan.com
@cowanSF

9. 05 & 06: Conclusion & Revision
Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
‘…pivot or persevere….’
(Eric Ries in ‘The Lean Startup’)
> The conclusion of the analysis must be a ‘pivot or
persevere’ moment.
>> Is this working and proving out? Or do we need to try something
different? If so, what?
> Pivoting is not failure. It’s learning.
>> Learning is the essence of competitiveness and by using inexpensive
short cycle experiments you just saved yourself lots of money and
provided the opportunity for quicker success.
ALEX COWAN
AlexanderCowan.com
@cowanSF

10. Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
BUY THE BOOK
A practical primer for anyone
wanting to actually implement
today’s best practices in product
development (available online or
at any major retailer)
VISIT THE SITE
Free talks, tutorials, and
resources for product
development and new ventures.
ALEX COWAN
AlexanderCowan.com
@cowanSF
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11. Copyright 2012 Cowan Publishing
www.alexandercowan.com/speaking(THE REST?)
@cowanSF
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