"Is My App Idea Any Good?" A Founder's Checklist for Initial Validation
That lightbulb moment for your app idea is exhilarating. But in the quiet that follows, a nagging question often appears: "Is this actually a good idea?"
Before you invest time and money into development, it's wise to subject your concept to a reality check. This isn't about doubting yourself—it's about de-risking your vision and building on a solid foundation. Use the following 7-point checklist to validate your app idea objectively.
Why Validate Before You Build?
Skipping validation is the single biggest cause of software project failure. A quick validation process helps you:
Avoid Costly Mistakes: Confirms there's a real problem worth solving before major investment.
Sharpen Your Focus: Reveals the core value of your idea and what features truly matter.
Attract Better Partners: Developers and investors are drawn to founders who have done their homework.
The 7-Point App Idea Validation Checklist
Work through these questions honestly. Your goal isn't to get a perfect "yes" on all seven, but to identify potential weaknesses you can address.
The Problem Clarity Test
Question: "Can I clearly describe the specific problem my app solves, and who feels this pain the most?"
What to Look For: Avoid vague problems like "people are disorganized." Get specific: "Freelancers struggle to track billable hours across multiple projects, leading to lost revenue."
Your Action: Write down the problem in one sentence. Name your primary user (e.g., "independent graphic designers").
The Existing Solution Audit
Question: "What are people currently doing to solve this problem, and why are those solutions inadequate?"
What to Look For: Are they using spreadsheets, multiple disjointed tools, or manual processes? The "pain gap" between current solutions and a seamless experience is your opportunity.
Your Action: List 2-3 current solutions and their key frustrations.
The Core Value Proposition
Question: "Can I state my app's unique benefit in a single, compelling sentence?"
What to Look For: This is not a feature list. It's the primary outcome. Good: "Automates time tracking so freelancers never miss billing a minute." Bad: "An app with a timer and invoice generator."
Your Action: Craft your value proposition. If it sounds generic, revisit Point 1.
The Initial Feasibility Filter
Question: "Does this idea require a technical miracle or unusually complex data to launch?"
What to Look For: Be wary of ideas reliant on unproven AI, legally complex data (e.g., specific health records), or needing a massive, active user base to function at day one.
Your Action: Identify the one core technical or logistical hurdle. Is there a simpler version to launch with?
The "Pre-Sell" Conversation Test
Question: "Have I described the idea to 5 potential users and gauged their genuine interest?"
What to Look For: Don't ask "Do you like my idea?" (They'll say yes). Ask "How do you currently handle [Problem from Point 1]?" and "Would a tool that [Your Value Prop] save you time/money?"
Your Action: Have 5 conversations. The goal is to listen, not to sell.
The Basic Business Model Sense-Check
Question: "Do I have a plausible thought on how this could eventually make money?"
What to Look For: You don't need a full financial model. You need a plausible direction: subscription, one-time fee, commission, etc. The key is: does the perceived value for the user (Point 3) justify the potential cost?
Your Action: Note one primary and one alternative revenue model.
The Founder's Passion & Expertise Gut Check
Question: "Am I genuinely interested in this problem space, and do I have any unique insight or access here?"
What to Look For: Building an app is a marathon. Domain knowledge (as a user or professional) or deep passion for the topic is fuel. It's a significant risk if you lack both.
Your Action: Rate your passion and relevant expertise on a scale of 1-10. If both are low, proceed with caution.
What Your Validation Score Means
Mostly "Strong" Answers: Your idea has clear potential. The next step is to structure it into a developer-ready blueprint.
Mixed or "Weak" Answers: This is a valuable outcome. It tells you where to pivot, simplify, or research further. It's better to adapt your idea on paper than after coding has begun.
Mostly "Weak" Answers: Consider this a successful "fail fast" moment. Park this idea and apply the checklist to your next one. You've saved significant resources.
Your Validated Idea's Next Step
If your idea passes this stress-test, congratulations—you're moving forward with more confidence and clarity. The logical next phase is to define the tangible scope.
Validated your idea and ready to explore the build?
A validated idea deserves a collaborative technical partner. Book a free consultation with Home Brunch to discuss your concept, review your validation insights, and map out a feasible path to a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).