This is the foundation for the Lean Startup methodology espoused by Steve Blank, Eric Reis, Ash Maurya and others, but until recently it has been articulated in the jargon of the business community such that it is difficult to see in terms of the scientific method.
I think Ash Maurya's upcoming book, "The Customer Factory", is perhaps the first attempt to codify the Lean Startup entirely in terms of how a scientist builds and tests models. As a technical person, not a business person, I am eagerly awaiting this book in hopes that it frames the startup process in the same ways that I tend to see the world (in terms of axioms, hypotheses and experiments).
Well, I don't expect The Customer Factory to be a philosophy book. Instead, I expect it to be full of practical ideas and tools. Most business books, even those about Lean, start from what I see as an alien perspective. Sure, I can glean some valuable insight and maybe put it into practice, but it doesn't speak my language. A practical book on business models that speaks my language would be a valuable thing indeed.
Ah, I understand now, that's a good point! When it comes to "ideas as tools", finding a source that's on the same wavelength as you does make a huge difference.
And hey, if we end up reaching your goals, then who cares what book helped us get there? We win and just like with a firefight, who is left standing is all that matters at the end of the day.
I think Ash Maurya's upcoming book, "The Customer Factory", is perhaps the first attempt to codify the Lean Startup entirely in terms of how a scientist builds and tests models. As a technical person, not a business person, I am eagerly awaiting this book in hopes that it frames the startup process in the same ways that I tend to see the world (in terms of axioms, hypotheses and experiments).