Ideas vs Problems vs Real Problems

February 1, 2019
by Amit Jain

Get to the real problem before solving them

All great inventions and successful startups are born out of this one statement . Have you ever questioned “What exists around us … Why is it around?

If it exists and is adapted by many , it sure has solved a real problem

If it exists and we still ask the same question (but with a pinch of sarcasm) , it sure exists as a being hatched out of just an idea or a problem as perceived by the creator but not so felt by the consumer . So how do you really get to the real problem ? . Well, answer is simple , look beyond your perceptions .

Idea Validation is one unmissable first step in a startup journey . Many founding teams do validate their startup ideas but how many do it scientifically. The StartupBay 9 box idea validation is one such methodology which marks the first step if one wants to be on the side of a successful startup. But why is it important ? Well , lets look at some historical facts and there lies the answer

Right from inventions like automobile to electricity to internet and some recent businesses like Paypal or Google , all great inventions or businesses are built on big problems and real problems. The fundamental question is “How acute is the problem as understood and felt by potential takers ?”

Get down to the real problem

Look at some of the “Real Problem” Solvers of our times

Company	Problem	Solution
Apple	Personal computers were not affordable or available to the general public	Apple released the Apple I, II, and Macintosh to provide individuals with computing capabilities in their own home and office
Ford Motor Company	Despite the first modern automobile being created in 1886, there was no fast and efficient way to produce an automobile for personal use	Henry Ford created the assembly line to much more quickly mass produce his vehicle, the Model T
Dropbox	Files access was constrained to the hardware they were saved upon	Drew Houston developed a system of synchronizing files via the web to be accessed from any device
Amazon	Buying books was constrained to finding a bookstore, having the correct book in stock, and traveling to that bookstore	Jeff Bezos made it possible with Amazon to purchase any title and have it shipped directly to you from any location
Walmart	Buying goods at multiple different stores is both time and capital intensive.	Walmart gives shoppers the ability to “one-stop shop” and purchase all the goods they need in one location, at a lower price due to economies of scale and bulk ordering
Under Armour	Clothing worn during exercise and underneath padding became soaked with sweat, heavy, and uncomfortable	Kevin Plank (then a captain on the University of Maryland football team) noticed his compression shorts were kept dry. He used the same moisture-wicking microfiber to produce other clothing to keep athletes cool, light, and dry

Without quoting the businesses that did not succeed , the slip between the lip and the cup was “Problem” vs “Real Problem” Getting down to the “Real Problem” may need some excess time , effort and money initially , but it saves multifold subsequently. Moreover , think – You are a startup to create impact and build value , and not just another business of optimal risk index.

Credits and Connects

To know more about the StartupBay 9box idea validation model , write to – info@startupbay.in