Ask HN: How should we test if our idea is feasible and worth pursuing?

Re:Ask HN: How should we test if our idea is feasible and wo... by skmurphy on Monday April 23, 2012 @11:25AM (#3879236)

You are assuming that it's a binary outcome--it's a right or wrong product--when it's shades of gray and an opportunity for learning more about your customers' needs. Consider proceeding by a sequence of prototypes that become "less wrong" over time or even "good enough."

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Re:Ask HN: How should we test if our idea is feasible and wo... by sparknlaunch12 on Monday April 23, 2012 @12:07PM (#3879471)

True. I guess we are trying to find something "less wrong".

Our objective is to i) validate our concept by receiving input from potential customers and ii) with input build an "okay" prototype to take forward.

We want to do the first bit with limited development costs.

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Re:Ask HN: How should we test if our idea is feasible and wo... by skmurphy on Monday April 23, 2012 @02:27PM (#3880226)

Values of OK may range from 1% of the final version to 80%; the real test is if the prototype advances your understanding of customer needs by triggering additional insights through conversation. If you are not surprised you are not learning and if you are avoiding conversations for fear of failure you are learning much more slowly than you could by taking some prudent risks.

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Re:Ask HN: How should we test if our idea is feasible and wo... by sparknlaunch12 on Tuesday April 24, 2012 @06:09AM (#3883220)

Thanks. Some good advice.

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