Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- finding-ideas [2024/10/20 21:11] – Ihab Ahmed
+++ finding-ideas [2024/10/23 11:54] (current) – [9. Problem Discovery] Ihab Ahmed
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 It must be simple enough to spread and exciting for people to hear. Ideally, the idea should interest you or be something you know your users will benefit from.
-===== 2. Refining Your Idea =====
+===== 2. Sources of Ideas =====
+When you're looking for a startup idea, there are a few common places where they usually come from:
+  * You notice a problem in your own life and decide to create a solution for it.
+  * Meeting talented people can lead to brainstorming new business ideas together.
+  * If you have something you're really passionate about, you can turn that into a business.
+  * If you've worked in a certain field for a while, you might see gaps that you could address.
+  * You explore different ideas, do some research, and pick one that you believe can work.
+===== 3. Frameworks =====
+Some helpful frameworks for coming up with startup ideas:
+  *     SWOT Analysis: This helps you look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of other companies to learn from them.
+  * Jobs-to-be-Done Framework: This is about understanding what customers want to achieve and how your product can help them get there.
+  * Observation of Audiences: Pay attention to potential customers and see where there are gaps in the market that you can fill.
+===== 4. Refining Your Idea =====
 Before you move forward, refining your idea is essential to make it clear and complete. Use tools you may already know, such as the:
@@ Line 26: / Line 44: @@
   * SMART Criteria
   * Mind Mapping
-  * Customer Empathy Map
+  * Etc
-  * Value Proposition Canvas, and many others
-These tools help you effectively communicate your solution so that people are interested in hearing it. The clearer your idea, the easier it will be to market it and develop it over time.
+These basic tools help you effectively communicate your solution so that people are interested in hearing it. The clearer your idea, the easier it will be to market it and develop it over time.
-===== 3. Developing Your Idea Over Time =====
-Any idea is just the beginning, around 1% of the project. To grow that percentage, you need to write it down and refine it.
+===== 5. Common Mistakes =====
-Start by breaking it down into smaller parts, test it with real customers, and gather feedback.
+There are some common mistakes to watch out for:
-Also to think differently and expand your startup idea, consider using creative tools like the [[https://diy-toolkit.org/tools/fast-idea-generator/|Fast Idea Generator]] or Lean Canvas to outline key assumption.
+  * Focus on solving real problems.
+  * You don’t need a perfect idea to start.
+  * Avoid SISP, "[[https://www.ycombinator.com/library/8g-how-to-get-startup-ideas|Solution In Search of a Problem]]"
+  * Don’t think all the good ideas are taken.
-Those tools can help you brainstorm new possibilities by prompting you with questions that encourage innovative thinking.
+===== 6. Developing Your Idea Over Time =====
-===== 4. Testing Your Idea =====
+Any idea is just the beginning, around 1% of the project. To grow that percentage, you need to write it down, refine it, and test it.
+Start by breaking it down into smaller parts, test it with real customers, and gather feedback.
+Also to think differently and expand your startup idea, consider using creative tools like the [[https://diy-toolkit.org/tools/fast-idea-generator/|Fast Idea Generator]] to brainstorm new possibilities or Lean Canvas to outline key assumption.
+===== 7. Testing Your Idea =====
 To test your idea, create a simplified model of it and try to sell it.
@@ Line 49: / Line 74: @@
 If they show interest in your prototype, that’s a good sign to move forward with the full implementation.
-===== 5. Ensuring Market Fit =====
+You might also find the [[https://diy-toolkit.org/tools/interview-guide/|Interview Guide]] interesting for conducting interviews to gather inputs or test your prototype.
+===== 8. Ensuring Market Fit =====
 For a startup idea to succeed, it's not enough to simply solve a problem; you also need to ensure there's a clear market for your solution. Consider the following questions:
   * How does your experience align with the target market?
-  * What key metrics will you track for AAARR?
+  * What key metrics will you track for [[AARRR]]?
   * What unique innovations does your solution offer?
 By answering these questions, you can ensure your idea is feasible and ready for the market.
+===== Example: Story of Market Fit =====
+Finding product-market fit can be challenging for any startup. One startup began with a basic idea but faced hurdles when external factors limited their growth. To adapt, they developed a simple solution that attracted initial users but struggled to scale.
+Recognizing the need for change, they shifted their approach to a more user-friendly platform, which helped them gain traction, but they still faced tough competition from established players. Later, they introduced new features to retain their users and saw an increase in engagement.
+Realizing the potential in serving businesses, they refocused their efforts and achieved significant growth.
+===== 9. Problem Discovery =====
+There are effective methods to help you uncover the problems:
+  * [[Design Thinking]] helps create user-centered innovation through empathy, ideation, and iteration.
+  * The [[https://diy-toolkit.org/tools/causes-diagram/|Causes Diagram]] is useful for breaking down complex issues into root causes.
+  * [[https://diy-toolkit.org/tools/shadowing/|Shadowing]] allows you to observe users in their daily lives to uncover unspoken challenges.
+  * Use [[https://diy-toolkit.org/tools/problem-definition/|Problem Definition]] to clearly articulate key issues and stay focused on the right problems.
+Please use only the tools that helps you and you find interesting.