Discovery Interview Template

What This Template Covers

This template provides a structured approach to customer discovery interviews that helps you avoid the most common pitfalls: asking leading questions, accepting polite lies, and failing to dig into specific behaviors.

How to Use It

Before the Interview

Define what you're trying to learn (not validate)

Prepare 5-7 open-ended questions

Plan how you'll capture notes

During the Interview

Follow this structure:

1. **Context Setting (5 min)**: Understand their role, responsibilities, and current focus

2. **Problem Exploration (15 min)**: Explore the problem space without leading

3. **Solution Discussion (10 min)**: Only if they've raised the problem organically

4. **Commitment Test (5 min)**: Gauge real interest through concrete next steps

Key Question Types

**Past behavior questions**: "Tell me about the last time you..."

**Ranking questions**: "Where does this sit among your current priorities?"

**Effort questions**: "What have you tried so far?"

**Commitment questions**: "What would you need to see to take the next step?"

Red Flags to Watch For

Generic compliments ("That sounds great!")

Future promises ("I would definitely use that")

Hypothetical enthusiasm ("If it had X, I'd love it")

When you hear these, dig deeper with: "Can you give me a specific example?"

After the Interview

Write up key insights within 24 hours

Identify patterns across multiple interviews

Update your assumptions based on evidence