Beta decision tree

The question it helps answer

Use the beta decision tree to organise the reasoning behind this question: Should a product use an internal test, limited beta, broad beta, or general release? The working view makes risk questions, learning need, and participant exposure visible so discussion can move from general opinion to a specific action or decision.

When to use it

Use the beta decision tree when people working on launch and beta operations are using different mental models for risk questions, learning need, and participant exposure, and that difference is changing choices or coordination.

What it is

The beta decision tree is a set of connected concepts for examining one situation from several necessary angles. Its core working elements are risk questions, learning need, participant exposure, and reversibility. Those elements belong together because each changes how the others should be interpreted or acted on.

Core elements

Risk questions

Describe the cause, possible consequence, early warning signal, owner, and proportionate prevention or response. Within the beta decision tree, connect this entry to learning need so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Learning need

Capture learning need only at the level needed to answer: Should a product use an internal test, limited beta, broad beta, or general release? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the beta decision tree, connect this entry to participant exposure so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Participant exposure

Identify the relevant people or groups, their needs, and any important differences in influence, access, or impact. Within the beta decision tree, connect this entry to reversibility so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Reversibility

Capture reversibility only at the level needed to answer: Should a product use an internal test, limited beta, broad beta, or general release? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the beta decision tree, connect this entry to support so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Support

Capture support only at the level needed to answer: Should a product use an internal test, limited beta, broad beta, or general release? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the beta decision tree, connect this entry to recommended release mode so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Recommended release mode

Capture recommended release mode only at the level needed to answer: Should a product use an internal test, limited beta, broad beta, or general release? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the beta decision tree, connect this entry to support so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.