← Back to Glossary
Research and DiscoveryF

Fake Door Test

Definition

A discovery technique in which a button, link, or menu item for a feature that does not yet exist is presented to users. When users click, they are informed the feature is coming soon and may be asked for feedback or an email. PMs use fake door tests to measure real demand for a feature idea with minimal engineering investment before committing to build it.

Why It Matters for Product Managers

Understanding fake door test is critical for product managers because it directly influences how teams prioritize work, measure progress, and deliver value to users. PMs use fake door tests to measure real demand for a feature idea with minimal engineering investment before committing to build it. Without a clear grasp of this concept, PMs risk making decisions based on assumptions rather than evidence, which can lead to wasted engineering effort and missed market opportunities.

How It Works in Practice

In practice, product teams apply this technique during the discovery phase of product development:

  • Plan — Define the research question and decide on the appropriate method, sample size, and timeline.
  • Recruit — Identify and schedule participants who represent the target user segment.
  • Execute — Conduct the research following the methodology, capturing both qualitative observations and quantitative data.
  • Synthesize — Analyze findings, identify patterns, and translate insights into actionable recommendations for the product team.

    • Effective use of fake door test prevents teams from building features based on assumptions and ensures that investment flows toward validated user needs.

    Common Pitfalls

  • Running the technique without a clear hypothesis or research question, which leads to unfocused results.
  • Relying on a single research method instead of triangulating with complementary approaches.
  • Letting stakeholder opinions override what the data and user feedback actually reveal.

    • Related Concepts

    To build a more complete picture, explore these related concepts: Wizard of Oz Test, and A/B Testing. Each connects to this term and together they form a toolkit that product managers draw on daily.

    Related Terms

    Wizard of Oz TestMinimum Viable Product (MVP)A/B Testing

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is fake door test in product management?+
    A discovery technique in which a button, link, or menu item for a feature that does not yet exist is presented to users. Product managers use this concept to make more informed decisions and deliver better outcomes for users and the business.
    When should a product team use fake door test?+
    Product teams should use fake door test during the discovery phase when they need to validate assumptions, understand user behavior, or test demand for a new feature. It is most effective when combined with complementary research methods to triangulate findings.
    ← PreviousExplainability (XAI)Next →Feature Adoption

    Explore More PM Terms

    Browse our complete glossary of 100+ product management terms.

    Full GlossaryExplore Frameworks