I’ve been building something and I think it’s got legs

General
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I’ve been working on a new software product concept that solves a problem I’ve seen crop up again and again in real-world contexts.

It’s the kind of issue that quietly causes harm, wastes time, and creates stress – and there just isn’t a clear, practical solution out there (yet).

This is my first time taking a software product from idea to prototype, and I’ve done a fair bit of groundwork already:

  • Validated the need and mapped out common pain points
  • Scoped and prioritized the MVP
  • Designed a clear, phased user journey
  • Built a working prototype and started testing core features

I’m wearing a lot of hats – BA, strategist, UX, content, product owner, and very novice developer, but it’s been energizing and rewarding.

Now I’m at a crossroads where I want to learn from others.

Has anyone here:

  • Taken a product idea through to launch (especially solo or as a small team)?
  • Navigated the shift from prototype to something sustainable?
  • Worked out how to pilot with early users or build credibility in a new space?

Happy to share more in time, but for now I’m keen to listen and learn. If you’ve been through something similar, or are just good at asking the right questions, I’d love to hear your whakairo.

Ngā mihi nui,
Rhiannon

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Oh great topic! I love product and I’ve tried to stick around product in my working life (including doing UX research which was fun!) – and always excited to hear about people’s ideas!

But it also sounds like you might need to connect with someone from the startup space? I know some peeps that I could introduce you to? Depending on the kind of questions you have?

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Awesome sauce. Having spent a bit more time thinking, I might have jumped the gun. I’m still actually very much in the ideation stage. I did make a basic MVP, but going back to my vision I think I want to re-work it quite a bit.

I think my next step is to bring in a cultural advisor to help with the design.

It would be great to connect with someone who has start-up experience, perhaps particularly in a digital tool so I could get a bigger overview of what’s involved (: