Idea Validation Scorecard
A structured 2-minute rubric to decide whether an idea is worth pursuing. Score it, then validate with evidence.
Idea (optional)
If provided, we’ll carry this into Explore as a search query.
Scorecard (0 = No/Unknown, 1 = Maybe, 2 = Yes)
The problem happens frequently (weekly or more).
Frequent problems create recurring value and lower churn risk.
Weight 14%
The problem is urgent (people feel pressure to solve it now).
Urgency beats interest. Urgent problems convert better.
Weight 12%
The cost of inaction is meaningful (time, money, risk).
If ignoring it is cheap, willingness to pay will be low.
Weight 12%
People already use workarounds (spreadsheets, hacks, agencies).
Workarounds signal demand and budget.
Weight 10%
Willingness to pay is likely (clear ROI or strong pain).
Good signs: spending today, budget owner exists, obvious ROI.
Weight 12%
I can reach buyers predictably (channel or community access).
If you can’t reach buyers, distribution becomes the bottleneck.
Weight 10%
The buyer/user is clearly defined (role, company type, segment).
Vague ICP leads to weak messaging and slow iteration.
Weight 8%
Differentiation is credible (not just “better UI”).
Best wedge: solve a specific workflow pain that competitors ignore.
Weight 10%
Retention is plausible (recurring workflow, recurring data).
One-and-done tools struggle to grow MRR.
Weight 6%
I already have evidence (quotes/threads) that this is real.
If you don’t have evidence, this becomes your immediate next task.
Weight 6%
Result
Validation score (0–100)
47
Risky: narrow the segment or change the problem
Recommended next steps
- Collect evidence: find 10+ specific complaints/threads and summarize recurring themes.
- Define a distribution wedge: pick one channel/community where buyers already gather.
- Test willingness to pay: run 5–10 interviews and a pricing smoke test.
- Increase recurrence: focus on a workflow that repeats weekly/monthly, not a one-off task.
- Tighten your ICP: one role + one segment + one primary job-to-be-done.
- Differentiate using complaints: pick one competitor weakness users repeatedly mention.
Evidence-first recommendation
The fastest path to confidence is not building - it’s collecting repeated, specific complaints and identifying a tight segment.
Disclaimer: This is a framework to reduce bias, not a guarantee of success. The evidence step matters most.