STEP 2.3: A CASE STUDY
Makes a Decision
Sam has a folder full of interview notes. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Now he needs to synthesize his findings into a clear strategic decision about what to build.
The Challenge
The core problem of messy freelance admin is clearly validated. Now Sam needs to confirm if his proposed solution of a simple, all-in-one tool is the right first step.
The Action
Sam uses the 'Feedback Flywheel' to cluster his interview notes into core themes.
Pains
- "My spreadsheet for tracking projects is a total disaster."
- "I sometimes forget to send invoices, which means I get paid late."
Gains
- "I just want one place to see everything at a glance."
- "I wish I could just click a button and have the invoice sent."
Current Solutions
- "I use a mix of Google Sheets, Google Docs, and my calendar."
- "I tried a big project management tool, but it was too complex."
Aha Moment: The core desire isn't just for *a* tool; it's for an *incredibly simple* tool that solves two specific problems: project tracking and invoicing.
The Outcome
Sam's decision is clear: Persevere. The problem is real, urgent, and writers are willing to pay for a better solution. He can now move forward with confidence to build his MVP.
Sam's MVP Focus:
"I will build a web app with two core features: a simple project dashboard and one-click invoice generation from project data. I will ruthlessly cut any feature that adds complexity."