Kill criteria: what it is and what it means

Kill criteria are the conditions defined in advance that, if not met after a defined number of tests, lead to shutting down the idea. Defining them before the test is essential because, once a project is under way, the emotional pressure on those who have already invested time and resources pushes them to read negative data as exceptions or as signals to adjust. Setting out in advance which outcome corresponds to which decision — continue, modify, abandon — keeps you from confusing courage with stubbornness.

Distinctive: defined in advance
Distinctive: shutting down the idea
Essential: defined number of tests
Essential: not met
Essential: before the test
Constant: emotional pressure
Constant: courage with stubbornness

Glossary

Kill criteria

Conditions defined in advance that, if not met after a set number of tests, lead to shutting down the idea with no further adjustments.