The concept of Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) involves embedding technical professionals with customers to gain deep insights into their challenges and needs. This approach fosters effective product discovery and development, allowing companies to create solutions that deliver real outcomes. By understanding the customer environment, FDEs can bridge the gap between product offerings and client requirements, enhancing the overall effectiveness of product creation.

Engineers often resist product discovery, viewing it as a hindrance to shipping features rather than a means to safeguard investments. By reframing discovery as a risk management tool and emphasizing the value of evidence over assumptions, teams can align engineering perspectives with user-centered practices. Successful integration of discovery processes should focus on reducing uncertainty and making informed decisions based on varying stakes and evidence levels.