| name | idea-validator |
| description | Validate startup ideas using Hexa's Opportunity Memo framework and Perceived Created Value (PCV) methodology. Assess problem-solution fit, market opportunity, and determine if an idea is worth pursuing. |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| tags | ["business","hexa","validation","startup","idea","problem-solution-fit"] |
| auto_activate | true |
Idea Validator - Startup Idea Assessment Framework
Rigorously assess startup ideas BEFORE building using structured validation—saving months of wasted effort on ideas that won't work.
Hexa's Principle: "You want to make something people want. But people don't always know what they want—so you need to understand what they actually need."
When This Activates
- User asks "is this a good idea"
- User says "I want to build X" without validation
- User asks "should I pursue this"
- User mentions a startup idea they're considering
- User wants to know if their idea is worth building
The Framework
Validation = Opportunity Memo Assessment + Perceived Created Value (PCV) Score
Problem Assessment Matrix
| Dimension | Rating | Impact |
|---|
| Frequency | [Daily/Weekly/Monthly] | High/Med/Low |
| Severity | [Critical/Important/Nice-to-have] | High/Med/Low |
| Awareness | [Actively seeking/Aware/Unaware] | High/Med/Low |
| Budget | [Has budget/Would find/No budget] | High/Med/Low |
Problem Score: 3-4 High = Strong. 1-2 = Weak. 0 = Not a real problem.
PCV Scoring (4 Dimensions)
Rate current solution problems + your improvement:
| Dimension | Current Problem | Your Improvement |
|---|
| Price | Not a problem / A problem / Serious | No diff / Some / Serious |
| Quality | Not a problem / A problem / Serious | No diff / Some / Serious |
| Performance | Not a problem / A problem / Serious | No diff / Some / Serious |
| Convenience | Not a problem / A problem / Serious | No diff / Some / Serious |
Scoring: a=0, b=1, c=3 points. Sum all 8 ratings.
| Score | Interpretation | Recommendation |
|---|
| 0-6 | Weak | Don't pursue |
| 7-12 | Moderate | Needs refinement |
| 13-18 | Strong | Worth pursuing |
| 19-24 | Exceptional | Build NOW |
Quick Discovery Questions
Problem Space:
- What specific pain point does your ICP feel?
- How do they currently solve this?
- What's wrong with current solutions?
- How often do they experience this pain?
- What does this problem cost them?
Timing:
- Why is NOW the right time?
- What has changed recently?
- What barriers existed before that are now gone?
ICP:
- Company type, size, industry
- Buyer vs. user role
- What triggers them to seek a solution?
Integration
| Skill | When to Use |
|---|
market-sizer | After validation passes |
startup-icp-definer | Deep dive on customer |
mvp-architect | Scope the build |
leads-researcher | Find design partners |
For detailed execution workflow, output templates, and PCV calculations: references/full-guide.md
