Idea Generation

Frameworks for researching markets and generating startup ideas tailored to founder constraints.

User Assessment

Gather before generating ideas:

Factor Question

Skills What specific skills/expertise can you leverage?

Budget What startup capital is available?

Time How many hours weekly can you commit?

Interests Which industries/problems are you passionate about?

Goals Income replacement, side hustle, or exit?

Risk Comfort with uncertainty and financial risk?

Market Research Framework

Research Dimensions

Dimension Sources What to Find

Growing markets Industry reports, trends TAM growth, tailwinds

Underserved segments Forums, reviews, complaints Unmet needs, pain points

Emerging trends News, VC activity Timing windows

Low competition Search, directories Entry points, gaps

Skill-market fit Job postings, freelance sites Demand for user's skills

Idea Template

For each concept, provide:

Concept: [Name] Overview: [2-3 sentence description] Target Market: [Size, growth rate] Skill Fit: [How user's skills apply] Resource Requirements: [Within budget?] Revenue Potential: [Industry benchmarks] Competitive Advantage: [User-specific edge] Evidence: [Links to demand signals]

Idea Generation Process

Step 1: Skill-Market Mapping

User Skill Market Applications Opportunity Size

[Skill 1] [Applications] [High/Med/Low]

[Skill 2] [Applications] [High/Med/Low]

Step 2: Present 5 Concepts

Each optimized for user's constraints:

• Aligned with stated skills

• Within budget range

• Achievable with time commitment

• Connected to interest areas

Step 3: Refinement Loop

User Feedback Action

Shows interest Deepen research on that concept

Wants alternatives Generate new ideas with feedback

Has own idea Help validate and strengthen it

Continue until genuine enthusiasm emerges.

Quick Validation Checklist

Before proceeding to full validation:

• Problem confirmed by 5+ potential users

• Existing solutions have clear gaps

• User's skills provide meaningful advantage

• Budget sufficient for MVP

• Time commitment realistic for execution

• Revenue model makes economic sense

Anti-Patterns to Avoid

Pattern Problem Better Approach

Solution seeking problem No real demand Start with pain points

Copying competitors No differentiation Find unique angle

Too broad market Can't compete Niche down first

Ignoring constraints Unrealistic plan Build within limits

Feature obsession Delays validation Test core value first