> we tend to shy away from these "first encounter" moments because we're afraid to find out we sunk months (or even years) building something that nobody wants

I believe this is the key line in bambax' comment:

> The worst outcome is not to build something nobody wants -- it's not to build anything.

As a 'builder' I completely agree with that. I don't want to start an 'Uber for dogs' business, but I do want to make a woof recognition system.