01 — Idea / Problem: Self-Assessment

Use this self-assessment to verify your understanding before proceeding.

Knowledge Check

Question 1

What should a problem statement include? (Select all that apply)

• Specific problem users face ✓

• Target users ✓

• Context ✓

• Impact ✓

• Solution idea

Answer: All except solution idea. The problem statement should focus on the problem, not the solution.

Question 2

How many user interviews should you conduct?

• 1-2

• 3-5 ✓

• 10-15

Answer: 3-5 is sufficient for MVP validation. You can interview more later.

Question 3

What should you verify before proceeding? (Select all that apply)

• Problem is frequent ✓

• Problem is severe ✓

• Users are willing to pay ✓

• You have a solution idea

Answer: All except solution idea. You need to validate the problem, not have a solution yet.

Reflection

Reflect on Your Problem Statement

1. Is your problem specific enough?

   • Yes, it's very specific

   • Somewhat specific

   • Too vague (needs refinement)

2. Have you validated the problem with users?

   • Yes, through interviews

   • Somewhat, through surveys

   • No, not yet (do this first)

3. Is the problem worth solving?

   • Yes, all criteria met

   • Maybe, some criteria met

   • No, criteria not met (reconsider)

Scenario Questions

Scenario 1

You've identified a problem: "Teams need better tools." Is this specific enough?

Answer: No. This is too vague. A better version might be: "Engineering teams struggle to get actionable insights from retrospectives."

Scenario 2

You've interviewed 2 users who both confirmed the problem. Is this enough validation?

Answer: Probably not. 3-5 interviews is recommended. However, if both users strongly confirmed and you have other evidence, you might proceed cautiously.

Scenario 3

Your problem occurs monthly and is rated 6/10 for severity. Is this worth solving?

Answer: It depends. Monthly frequency is moderate, 6/10 severity is moderate. Consider:

• Is there urgency?

• Are users willing to pay?

• Is there a clear alternative? You might proceed but be aware of moderate risk.

Action Items

Based on your self-assessment:

• If problem is too vague, refine it

• If not validated with users, conduct interviews

• If problem worthiness is unclear, reassess

• If ready, proceed to 02 — Identify Critical Assumptions

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Next Step: Review your answers and address any gaps before proceeding.