Validate
Plan–Do–Check–Act
A four-step cycle for improving something: plan a change, try it small, check the result, then act.
What is Plan–Do–Check–Act?
A four-step cycle for improving something: plan a change, try it small, check the result, then act.
What you learn
Predict, try small, compare with the prediction, then adjust.
When it helps
you are improving a working process through repeated small trials, using each result to choose the next adjustment.
Use it at work
- Plan: write the change and your prediction.
- Do: try it small, in one place.
- Check: compare the result with the prediction.
- Act: adopt, adjust or drop it, then repeat.
Your output
Before your next change, write your prediction. After it runs, compare the result and decide what to adjust.
Watch for
Making a change with no prediction, so the result teaches nothing.
Related practices
Sources
Enable JavaScript to try the interactive activity.