Over the years, I have observed that we ‘think’ we know our users. That is probably the biggest lie we tell ourselves, as we start. Now, it may vary how much we ‘don’t’ know our consumers based on how long the organisation has existed or endeavoured to know them. For example Google might probably know their consumers more than a new startup, who is struggling to get their idea off the ground.

So, before we get started with anything, we must try to understand WHY we are building something, how would it be useful for someone and in-turn how this enterprise will generate revenue. I am going to discuss a couple of common tools that are popular and used. But there are chances that some more variations of these tools exist. 

I have experience using some of these tools in my previous work places to define/validate a completely new project and some reasonably big customer values (features). These are no panacea but do help us have a collaborative, open conversation where we are challenged and helps us make a better, informed decision.