REWORK Soft openings aren't just for restaurants
9 snips
Nov 12, 2025 Discover the intriguing process behind selecting beta testers for a product launch. Learn how the team uses a soft opening to catch blind spots and ensure a polished final product. The hosts reveal the urgency that early access brings, accelerating decisions and uncovering potential issues. They also discuss the balance between hands-off testing and necessary guidance for testers. Plus, hear about the valuable feedback collection methods that strengthen community engagement.
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Start With A Tiny Trusted Rollout
- Invite a small handpicked group (5–25) before wider release to catch blind spots and onboarding issues.
- Treat their accounts as real to prioritize uptime and data stewardship before public launch.
Early Access Brings Launch Pressure Forward
- Early access simulates the pressure of shipping and forces final decisions about scope and fixes.
- It exposes launch-night problems early when only tens or hundreds are using the product.
HEY's Staggered Rollout Example
- With HEY we rolled out in batches because email needed high availability and security.
- That longer, staggered beta reduced risk for a mission‑critical product.