The Validation Guidelines help teams test and refine solutions through direct user feedback.

Before the session, define your goal — whether to test relevance, usability, or value.

Prepare 2–3 realistic scenarios or prototypes representing your proposed solution.

Assign one facilitator and one or two silent note-takers to maintain focus and minimize distraction.

Welcome participants and explain the purpose of the session:

“We’re exploring whether the ideas we’ve developed truly address your needs. Your honest feedback will help us refine and improve them.”
Clarify that there are no wrong answers, and obtain consent if recording.

Present each scenario clearly — one at a time — and use open-ended questions to explore:

• Do you recognize this situation or need?

• How often does it happen and what is the impact?

• What are your first thoughts about this solution — what works well, what doesn’t, and why?

• How do the proposed benefits resonate with you?

• (For staff participants) Is this solution operationally feasible? Does it fit into your current workflow or create new friction?

Encourage participants to share personal stories or examples; probe deeper with follow-up questions like:

“Why is that important to you?”

“What would make this easier or more useful?”

Ask participants to rank the presented scenarios from most to least valuable from their perspective.
Discuss their reasoning — what makes one idea stronger or weaker.

Summarize what has been learned and thank participants for their time and input.
Close by asking:

“Would you be open to joining another session when the improved solution is ready?”