What is an OST?

The opportunity solution tree is a visual model of how Outcomes link to solutions and experiments. Not only does it show how they link, the tree itself is the tool used to create the; opportunities, solutions and experiments.

Why use it?

• Its a great visual tool to help drive solutions
• Helps you to compare and contrast multiple ideas
• You have to tie a solution to an outcome. If you don’t.. then its not a priority
• The tool can become and artefact. This can be used to show what you are doing and why

How to use it?

Like with most things you won’t just pluck this out of thin air. You need to do user research and flow this directly into that process. Teresa Torres Continuous Discovery Habits is the best book on this and is extremely actionable. Read this, and all will become clear!

At a high-level though:

• Perform user research (internal, external or both)
• Record and analyse the research
• Align with current goals e.g. OKRs, Product Strategy, North Star
• Build desired Outcome
• Flip problems to opportunities
• Discuss and build out solutions with key stakeholders

Opportunity Solution Tree Template