What does a DVS engagement look like from the outside?
It starts with a conversation — not a proposal. We confirm there's a genuine fit, then agree on scope. Every engagement runs through the DVS methodology: validate first, specify completely, build against a fixed spec. You're never handed a document and left alone with it. We stay through every stage.
How much does it cost?
DVS doesn't publish a rate card because every engagement is scoped against what you actually need — not a pre-packaged tier. What we can say: the methodology displaces $50,000+ in consulting fees. Our pricing reflects the value delivered, not the hours spent. The first conversation is free and there's no commitment at that stage.
How long does it take from first conversation to a validated specification?
Touchstone can take an idea through validation and produce a complete document suite in a single session. A full DVS Studio engagement — from scoping call to validated specification with PRD, Build Guide, Brand Guidelines, Business Case, and Marketing Plan — typically runs 2–4 weeks depending on complexity and availability.
What if my idea fails the Go/No-Go assessment?
That's a success, not a failure. A kill decision at the validation stage costs days and a conversation fee. The same decision discovered after 12 months of building costs everything. If your idea doesn't pass, DVS tells you exactly why — and in most cases, identifies what would need to change for it to pass. Honest advice is the service.
Can DVS work with teams and organisations, not just individual founders?
Yes — and increasingly, that's where the methodology adds the most value. Government departments, SMBs, and corporate innovation units all face the same core problem: clarity before commitment. The DVS methodology scales from a single founder with a hunch to a team with a portfolio of initiatives.
What's the difference between Touchstone and working with DVS Studio directly?
Touchstone is self-service — you run your idea through the pipeline yourself and receive a document suite at the end. DVS Studio is a full engagement: we work alongside you, bring strategic judgment to every decision, and take responsibility for the output. Touchstone is the product. DVS Studio is the relationship.
