Agent skill · product strategy · deanpeters
pol-probe-advisor
Select the right Proof of Life (PoL) probe based on hypothesis, risk, and resources. Use this to match the validation method to the real learning goal, not tooling comfort.
Why this skill is useful
Provides a structured decision framework for selecting the appropriate Proof of Life probe based on specific hypotheses and risks, which the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
About 12k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-07-17. 6,302 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Purpose Guide product managers through selecting the right Proof of Life (PoL) probe type (of 5 flavors) based on their hypothesis, risk, and available resources. Use this when you need to eliminate a specific risk or test a narrow hypothesis, but aren't sure which validation method to use. This interactive skill ensures you match the cheapest prototype to the harshest truth—not the prototype you're most comfortable building. This is not a tool for deciding if you should validate (you should). It's a decision framework for choosing how to validate most effectively. Input Works best with: The hypothesis you want to validate or the risk you want to eliminate. Also useful: Your resources (time, budget, engineering access), audience access, and what failure would cost. Anything supplied with the invocation itself — text after the skill name, a pasted context dump, or an appended ARGUMENTS: line — counts as answers already given. Use it and skip whatever it covers; don't re-ask. Arriving empty-handed? That works too. The advisor opens by asking what you're trying to learn, then matches you to one of the 5 probe flavors. Example invocation: Which probe fits? Hypothesis: mid-market HR teams will trust AI-drafted job descriptions enough to publish them; 2 weeks, no eng support. Key Concepts The Core Problem: Method-Hypothesis Mismatch Common failure mode: PMs choose validation methods based on tooling comfort ("I know Figma, so I'll design a prototype") rather than learning goal. Result: validate the wrong thing, miss the actual risk. Solution: Work backwards from the hypothesis. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills deanpeters/pol-probe-advisor