Test Switching Costs With One Real Task

A signup can show curiosity. It rarely shows whether someone will leave a familiar workflow for a new product.

For an MVP meant to replace an existing tool or process, try a one-task migration test: invite a few relevant users to bring one real, low-risk task into the prototype. Watch where the transfer feels difficult, whether they can finish the task, and whether they choose to use the new flow again. Be clear about what data is needed, get consent, and make it easy to stop or return to the old process.

Set a short time limit before you start. If users can’t complete the task—or the effort of switching outweighs the benefit—revise the value proposition before building more. The first proof isn’t “they signed up.” It’s “they moved one meaningful piece of work, and it helped.”