Identify and improve your value proposition fit.
Assess if your prototype effectively addresses key customer jobs.
Assess if your prototype effectively addresses key customer pains.
Assess if your prototype exceeds your customer's expectations.
Learn how to use the Prototype Interview Template.
The prototype jobs questions below help you systematically test whether your prototype addresses the most critical customer jobs, aligns with their workflow, creates a tangible impact, outperforms previous methods, motivates adoption, and enhances their perceived value.
Each category is supported by targeted question examples designed to drill down into your prototype’s real impact on previously tested and identified customer needs. Read on to discover how these questions can transform your customer experiments into powerful instruments for innovation and growth.
1. Essential Job Validation
Ensures the prototype directly tackles the key jobs that matter most.
- “When using this solution, how effectively does it help you complete your [key job] compared to your current approach?”
Measures comparative efficiency and relevance. - “What is the one critical task you expect this solution to perform for you?”
Clarifies the core use case and priority to match customers’ needs. - “How does the solution support your outcome in [key job]?”
Checks alignment with the key result. - “Can you recall a recent situation where you needed to complete [key job]? How would this solution have changed that experience?”
Anchors the discussion in real-life examples. - “Which core function of your [key job] does this solution assist with most?”
Identifies the alignment of the solution’s strongest point with the customers’ essential jobs. - “If you had to rely solely on this solution, what would impact your workflow the most? Why?”
Assesses overall impact on the essential task.
2. Process Alignment
Checks that the solution mirrors the customer’s natural workflow and step-by-step process.
- “Walk me through your process for [key job] and tell me which steps this solution replicates well.”
Reveals process fit. - “Are there any steps in your workflow for [key job] that the solution doesn’t support?”
Uncovers critical gaps. - “Which part of the solution best aligns with your current process? Which part lacks alignment?”
Highlights strengths and weaknesses in integration. - “How does the sequence in the solution compare to your usual routine in [key job]?”
Evaluates intuitive design and flow. - “What modifications would make the solution better match your process for [key job]?”
Identifies clear opportunities for refinement. - “Did you notice any misalignment between your process and the prototype’s flow?”
Directly captures friction points.
3. Completion & Impact
Assesses whether the prototype delivers a tangible sense of accomplishment and drives real outcomes.
- “Can you describe a moment using this prototype when you felt you truly completed your task of [key job]?”
Evaluates satisfaction and accomplishment. - “What impact did that moment have on you?”
Measures both emotional and practical outcomes. - “How did using the solution change the result of your work in [key job]?”
Quantifies the difference made. - “If you could capture one moment of success with this prototype, what would it be?”
Identifies key success indicators. - “What immediate benefits did you experience when the prototype helped you complete [key job]?”
Focuses on instant, tangible value. - “How does this accomplishment affect your confidence in managing [key job]?”
Links task completion with enhanced self-assurance.
4. Experience Comparison
Explores how the prototype contrasts with previous methods, highlighting improvements and shortcomings.
- “How does your experience with this solution compare to how you managed [key job] before?”
Provides direct comparative insight. - “What differences do you notice in your workflow when using the prototype versus your current method?”
Highlights tangible improvements. - “Can you identify one clear benefit of using this prototype over your previous approach?”
Pinpoints a unique advantage. - “What aspects of the prototype feel most familiar or different from your usual method?”
Reveals comfort levels and potential friction. - “How would you rate the efficiency of this prototype compared to your current way of working?”
Provides a quantifiable self-assessment. - “In what ways does this prototype simplify or complicate your work compared to before?”
Surfaces both ease of use and any additional friction.
5. Adoption Motivation
Examines the triggers and reasons behind the customer’s decision to try the new solution.
- “What prompted you to try this solution to handle [key job]?”
Reveals underlying motivation. - “How does this approach compare to other methods you’ve experimented with?”
Provides context for your decision. - “What specific problem were you hoping this prototype would solve?”
Connects expectations with real needs. - “Can you share what drove you to consider a change in your process for [key job]?”
Explores the trigger for change. - “Did you have any reservations before trying this prototype, and how were they addressed?”
Uncovers barriers and the solution’s ability to mitigate them. - “What aspects of the prototype convinced you to test it over your current method?”
Highlights the persuasive features that matter most.
6. Perceived Value & Image
Captures the impact of using the solution on the customer’s self-perception and how they’re viewed by others.
- “When using this prototype to complete [key job], how do you feel it affects your image?”
Assesses social validation and reputation impact. - “Does the prototype enhance your confidence in managing [key job]? In what way?”
Connects usage with increased self-assurance. - “How do you think others perceive your abilities when you use this prototype?”
Gauges external impact and credibility. - “What about the prototype gives you a sense of pride or credibility?”
Identifies features that boost personal value. - “Would you say this prototype changes how you present yourself in your role? How so?”
Explores shifts in self-image and status. - “Can you recall a moment when using the prototype made you feel more competent?”
Captures a clear, positive emotional outcome.
You can use The Prototype Interview Template for free. Instead, I would appreciate your feedback after at least 15 interviews to help me create useful innovation tools!