Lean Startup – Stage 1: Searching for Problem/Solution FitEstimated Reading Time: just 1 min

Lean Start-up Framework is based on a lifecycle every successful new company/product goes through.

The first stage is called Searching for Problem/Solution Fit
The focus is on:

1. Defining Target Customer Segments and formulating some hypothesis on the problems they are facing

2. Validating the hypothesis on the problems our Target Segments are facing. This has to be done by talking with members of the Target Segments through Customer Interviews and Polls. Some useful tools for online Customer Interviews and Polls are

• Qualaroo
• Zendesk
• Customerly
• Survicate
• Qerzy
• Type Forms
• Google Forms
• Survey Monkey
• Jot Form
• Zoho Survey

3. Formulating a hypothesis on the Solution for the validated problems

4. Validating the hypothesis on the Solution. This has to be done by

• Building a prototype or a mock-up of the Solution
• Talking with members of the Target Segments before and after they tested the Solution and possibly
  • Recording company’s Target Segments while they perform Test Sessions
  • Running Usability Tests

5. Iterating the process for as long as it takes to reach a match between the Problems and the Solution

The Output of this stage is called Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

MVP is the prototype/mock-up of the Solution approved by our customers.

It is not the final product or service, but it has nothing more than what is needed for satisfying our Target Customer Segments. It is the basis for improvements meant to reach a larger base of customers.

Stage 2 – Searching for Product/Market Fit

Congratulations, you are now a blue belt!

Still a couple of steps to go before being a black belt.

Remember what Master Miyagi used to say, “If come from inside you, always right one.”

Now you are ready for Stage 2 – Searching for Product/Market Fit.