How To Validate Your SaaS Idea

What We Are Doing

We will create a few basic designs of what your SaaS could look like and then gather feedback from your target audience. This helps in understanding the viability of your idea and ensures you are building something that meets market needs.

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1. Create Initial Design Mockups

Simplify Your Core Idea

Focus on the core functionality that solves the primary problem your SaaS addresses. Keeping the validation process narrow helps avoid overwhelming potential users with too many features. You don’t need to showcase all the possible bells and whistles—simply present the primary solution to the problem.

Design Key Screens in Figma

Create designs for the main user interface screens. This might include:

• Landing Page: The first interaction users will have with your SaaS. Make it visually appealing and informative.
• Dashboard: The central hub where users can navigate and access various features.
• Key Features: Screens that demonstrate the primary functionalities.

The goal is to make these designs visually appealing and easy to understand. For inspiration, consider examples from DesignJoy, where Brett successfully pre-validated his ideas by sharing potential designs and illustrating the problems they solve.

• DesignJoy Example 1: [Link to example]
• DesignJoy Example 2: [Link to example]

He demonstrates how sharing potential designs and explaining the problem they address can be powerful. Review the comments to see how valuable this feedback can be.

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2. Gather Feedback from Target Users

Reach Out for Feedback

Share your Figma designs with potential users through various channels:

• One-on-One Meetings: Personalized feedback can provide deeper insights.
• Email Surveys: Structured feedback from a larger audience.
• Social Media Groups: Engage with communities where your target audience is active.
• Forums and Online Communities: Platforms like Reddit or specialized forums related to your SaaS niche.

Don't just share publicly and wait for feedback. Actively reach out to individuals and ask specific questions about the designs. This proactive approach ensures you gather comprehensive feedback.

Example Questions to Ask:

• What do you think about the overall design and usability?
• Does the solution address the problem effectively?
• What features are missing or unnecessary?
• How likely are you to use this SaaS based on the current design?
  
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3. Iterate Based on Feedback

Refine Your Designs

Use the feedback and data collected to refine your designs in Figma. Focus on resolving issues and enhancing aspects that received positive feedback. Iteration is key to ensuring your designs meet user expectations and needs.

Validate Improvements

Present your refined designs to a subset of your original feedback group or new potential users. This step is crucial to validate the changes you've made and ensure they align with user needs.

Additional Tips:

• Document Feedback: Keep detailed notes of all feedback received. This helps in tracking common themes and specific suggestions.
• Stay Open-Minded: Be prepared to make significant changes based on user feedback. The goal is to create a product that meets user needs, even if it diverges from your initial vision.
• Engage Continuously: Pre-validation is an ongoing process. Continue gathering feedback and iterating on your designs even after the initial validation phase.
  
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Conclusion

Pre-validating your SaaS idea by creating design mockups and gathering user feedback is a critical step in the development process. It not only helps in validating the viability of your idea but also builds a base of interested users who are likely to become your early adopters. Engaging directly with your target audience ensures that you are building a solution that truly meets their needs.

By following these steps, you increase the likelihood of your SaaS being successful and well-received in the market.

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