[1] It is a unit of progress process and describes conclusions generated by trying out an initial idea and then measuring it against potential customers to validate the effect.
[2] The term coined in the lean startup scene, but it can be applied universally.
Validated learning is especially popular on the web, where analytics software can track visitor behavior and give accurate statistics and insight on how website features work in reality.
Validated learning can, however, be applied to anything; one just needs to be innovative on what to use as metrics.
Typical steps in validated learning: Phrased in a different way To specify a goal, SMART target finding could apply.