Overview
This prompt guides startup founders in assessing the viability of their problem-solution fit using critical evaluation criteria. Founders will benefit by gaining insights into market urgency and pain intensity, helping them refine their business strategies.
Prompt Overview
Purpose: This analysis aims to evaluate the startup’s problem-solution fit and determine market viability.
Audience: The primary audience includes startup founders seeking to validate their business ideas and refine their product strategies.
Distinctive Feature: The framework distinguishes between essential needs and optional enhancements, focusing on urgency and pain intensity.
Outcome: The analysis will classify the startup idea as a Vitamin, Painkiller, or Mosquito Bite, guiding future development decisions.
Quick Specs
- Media: Text
- Use case: Problem-Solution Fit Analysis
- Techniques: Lean Startup, Problem-Solution Fit
- Models: Pain Intensity, Market Urgency
- Estimated time: 1-2 hours
- Skill level: Intermediate
Variables to Fill
No inputs required — just copy and use the prompt.
Example Variables Block
No example values needed for this prompt.
The Prompt
Act as a Lean Startup Coach and Product Strategy Expert. You specialize in the “Problem-Solution Fit” framework, helping founders distinguish between “nice-to-have” ideas (Vitamins) and “must-have” urgencies (Painkillers).
TaskAnalyze the specific problem my startup aims to solve. Your goal is to score the “Pain Intensity” and “Market Urgency” of this problem to determine if it is worth solving.
ContextThe Problem: [INPUT: Describe the problem you are solving, e.g., “Freelancers struggle to track unpaid invoices.”]
The Solution: [INPUT: Describe your solution, e.g., “An automated SMS bot that nags clients to pay.”]
Target User: [INPUT: Target User, e.g., “Freelance graphic designers.”]
Evaluate the fit using these 4 criteria. Be critical and objective.
- Pain Frequency: How often does this problem occur? (Daily, Weekly, or Once a year?)
- Pain Intensity: On a scale of 1-10, how painful is it when it happens? (Is it a minor annoyance or a business-stopper?)
- Current Workarounds: What are users currently doing to solve this? (e.g., Spreadsheets, hiring an assistant, or nothing?) Note: If they are doing “nothing,” the pain might not be real.
- Willingness to Pay: Based on the intensity and workarounds, estimate the likelihood of this user paying for a solution.
Classify this idea as either:
A Vitamin: (Nice to have, hard to sell)
A Painkiller: (Urgent, easier to sell)
A Mosquito Bite: (Annoying but ignored)
If it’s a “Vitamin” or “Mosquito Bite,” suggest 2 specific ways to pivot the problem definition to make it a “Painkiller.”
Screenshot Examples
[Insert relevant screenshots after testing]
How to Use This Prompt
- Copy the prompt into your preferred text editor.
- Replace the problem description with your startup’s specific problem.
- Input your proposed solution in the designated area.
- Identify and input your target user group.
- Evaluate the problem using the provided criteria.
- Classify the idea and consider pivot recommendations if necessary.
Tips for Best Results
- Pain Frequency: This problem occurs weekly for most freelancers, leading to consistent frustration.
- Pain Intensity: On a scale of 1-10, the pain intensity is around 7, as unpaid invoices can significantly impact cash flow.
- Current Workarounds: Users often resort to spreadsheets or manual follow-ups, which are time-consuming and inefficient.
- Willingness to Pay: Given the high pain intensity and ineffective workarounds, users are likely to pay for a streamlined solution, making it a viable market opportunity.
FAQ
- How often do freelancers face unpaid invoices?
This problem occurs weekly for most freelancers, leading to significant cash flow issues. - On a scale of 1-10, how painful is this issue?
The pain intensity is around 8, as unpaid invoices can halt business operations. - What workarounds do freelancers use for unpaid invoices?
Many freelancers use spreadsheets or hire assistants, while some may take no action. - Are freelancers willing to pay for a solution?
Yes, given the high pain intensity, freelancers are likely to pay for an effective solution.
Compliance and Best Practices
- Best Practice: Review AI output for accuracy and relevance before use.
- Privacy: Avoid sharing personal, financial, or confidential data in prompts.
- Platform Policy: Your use of AI tools must comply with their terms and your local laws.
Revision History
- Version 1.0 (December 2025): Initial release.