DFV (desirability, feasibility, and viability) is a framework for evaluating an idea or project based on its potential market appeal, technical feasibility, and financial sustainability.
DFV (desirability, feasibility, and viability) exercise is a framework used to evaluate an idea or project in terms of its potential success. This framework helps to ensure that the idea is not only desirable to customers but also feasible to implement and financially viable.
Desirability refers to whether the idea solves a real problem or fulfills a need for customers. This involves gathering feedback from potential customers to determine if the idea is something they would actually use or purchase.
Feasibility considers whether the idea can be realistically implemented with the resources available, including technology, expertise, and time. This involves evaluating the technical requirements and capabilities needed to bring the idea to life.
Viability looks at whether the idea is financially sustainable in the long term. This involves considering factors such as the potential revenue generated, the cost of production, and the overall profitability of the idea.
By evaluating an idea through the lens of desirability, feasibility, and viability, individuals and organizations can make more informed decisions about whether to pursue the idea and how to do so effectively.
How to Score DFV
Scoring a DFV (desirability, feasibility, and viability) exercise involves assigning a score to each of the three factors to assess the overall potential of the idea or project. Here are some steps to effectively score a DFV exercise:
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Define the scoring criteria: Before scoring the idea, it is important to establish the criteria for scoring each of the three factors. For example, the desirability factor might be scored based on market research, customer feedback, or other relevant metrics. The feasibility factor might be scored based on technical requirements, expertise, and available resources. The viability factor might be scored based on financial projections and other business considerations.
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Assign weights to each factor: To give an overall score, it is important to assign weights to each factor based on their relative importance. For example, if desirability is the most important factor for the success of the idea, it might be given a higher weight than feasibility and viability.
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Score each factor: After establishing the criteria and weights, score each factor individually based on the established criteria. This can be done through a quantitative or qualitative assessment, such as using a Likert scale or a point system. It is important to be objective and consistent when scoring each factor.
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Calculate the overall score: Once each factor has been scored, calculate the overall score by multiplying each factor score by its assigned weight and adding the results. This will provide an overall score that represents the potential success of the idea.
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Interpret the results: Finally, interpret the results of the DFV exercise to determine whether the idea is worth pursuing or requires further refinement. It is important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the idea based on the scores and to identify areas that may need improvement to increase the overall potential.
Desirability - Guiding Questions
- What has to be true for this design to work?
- What will it cost to turn your design into a functioning product?
- Do you have the capital investment to build the new product or feature?
- What is the pricing model? And, can the business make a profit?
- How long will it take to see a positive return on investment?
- Is the product sustainable?
- How does the product impact society?
Feasibility - Guiding Questions
- What has to be true for this design to work?
- What will it cost to turn your design into a functioning product?
- Do you have the capital investment to build the new product or feature?
- What is the pricing model? And, can the business make a profit?
- How long will it take to see a positive return on investment?
- Is the product sustainable?
- How does the product impact society?
Viability - Guiding Questions
- Does the current design system have the components to develop the new product?
- How long will it take to design and develop the product?
- Do you have enough product designers, UX designers, and engineers to build and scale the new product?
- Can our technical constraints support the new design?
- Will the organization need to hire new talent?
- If you have to extend the organization’s capabilities, how can this benefit future products?
- What impact will the product have on the brand?
- Will the product’s release impact other areas of the organization, like marketing, sales, and customer support? And do these departments have the capacity for more work?