Day-by-Day Validation Plan
Day 1 — Define the problem and your audience
Articulate the problem in one sentence. What pain are you solving, and for whom?Create 2-3 user personas that reflect realistic jobs-to-be-done. Include demographics, context, and the emotional impact of the problem.Draft a problem hypothesis: “We believe [target user] experiences [problem] because of [context], and they would value a solution that [benefit].”Output: a clear problem statement, 2-3 user personas, and a problem hypothesis you can test with real users.Why this matters: the entire validation process rests on a precise target and a testable problem. If you’re off here, later tests will be noisy—and you’ll chase a false signal.
Day 2 — Define your solution concept and value proposition
Map your core feature ideas to the top 2-3 pains you identified. Which pain does each feature relieve most clearly?Write a concise value proposition: one sentence that states the benefit, for whom, and why it’s better than the status quo.Distill 2–3 differentiators or reasons someone would choose your concept over alternatives.Output: a value proposition statement and a feature-to-pain map you can use in interviews and tests.Tip: keep it human-centered. You’re validating a benefit, not just a feature checklist.
Day 3 — Assess market demand and competition
Do quick competitive scoping: who else solves this today, and at what price point?Estimate total addressable market (TAM) and serviceable available market (SAM) using public sources (industry reports, customer counts, and app store rankings).Include a rough pricing hypothesis: what would customers pay, and why would they pay now?Stat to note: CB Insights highlights that no market need contributes to roughly 42% of startup failures. This makes early demand validation essential.Output: a compact market map, price hypothesis, and a go/no-go indicator based on demand signals.Day 4 — Build a landing page and run a smoke test
Create a simple landing page that communicates your value proposition and includes a single call-to-action (CTA), such as joining a waitlist or requesting a prototype.Capture a micro-mmetric signal: signup rate, email collection, or a pre-order pledge. A few hundred visitors can reveal signal strength if copy is on target.Setup baseline metrics: landing-page conversion rate (visit → signup) and bounce rate.Actionable tip: use 3 versions of your headline to test clarity and credibility. If you can’t explain the value in 5 seconds, adjust your messaging.Output: landing-page copy, a live page, and initial conversion data to gauge interest.Day 5 — Create a lightweight prototype or wireframes
Build a low-fidelity prototype or interactive wireframes that demonstrate the core flow: from discovery to the main action you want users to take.Focus on 3 key tasks you want users to complete (e.g., explain the problem, see the solution, take a next step).Run a few user tasks with friends or colleagues or a small external group to observe drop-offs and confusion.Collect qualitative feedback and track time-on-task and task success rate.Output: a testable prototype and notes on usability and desirability.Why this helps: you’re validating usability and the perceived value before investing in full development. It’s far cheaper to iterate here.
Day 6 — Conduct interviews and surveys
Schedule 8–12 interviews with people matching your target personas.Use a flexible interview guide: start with the problem, then probe the solution concept, willingness to pay, and what would make them switch from their current solution.Key questions:What’s the most painful part of this problem today?If a solution could fix that pain, what would it be worth to you per month?What would you change about the idea to make it irresistible?Output: qualitative insights, a list of 2–3 confirmed problem-solution fits, and initial signals on willingness to pay.Tip: aim for honest, specific feedback rather than flattering responses. You’re looking for “why” as much as “what.”
Day 7 — Decide and plan next steps
Synthesize findings into a go/no-go decision. If you have a strong problem-solution fit, a credible demand signal, and a feasible business model, you likely have momentum to build. If not, pivot or refine.Define the MVP scope based on what validated users would pay for and what reduces risk the most.Outline the next 30–60 days: what you’ll build, how you’ll measure success, and which risks to monitor.Output: a validated decision framework and a concrete MVP plan with metrics you’ll track after launch.Benchmarks and expectations
Early signals matter more than vanity metrics. A landing page that clearly conveys value and a knockout prototype can reveal interest long before code is written.Even small improvements in messaging or page design can double signup rates if the problem-solution fit is strong.If you hear consistent willingness-to-pay signals, you’re in a better position to justify additional investment or fundraising.Conclusion
Validation is not a one-off test; it’s a disciplined learning process that saves you time, money, and false confidence. By the end of seven days, you should have a clear problem statement, evidence of demand, a usable prototype, and a well-articulated path forward. The goal is a data-informed decision: proceed, pivot, or pause.
If you’re ready to translate validated ideas into a polished product strategy and scalable build, you might consider partnering with a team that specializes in bringing validated concepts to life with investor-ready execution. Fokus App Studio can help with investor-ready app development, turning validated insights into a solid, market-ready solution.