Problem-Solution Fit
The validation that your solution actually solves a real problem that people have and care about.
Also known as: Solution-Problem Fit, Problem Validation, Solution Validation
Category: Business & Economics
Tags: entrepreneurship, product-development, validation, startups, strategy
Explanation
Problem-Solution Fit is the first critical milestone in building products, services, or expertise. It validates that you've identified a real problem worth solving and that your solution actually addresses it. It precedes Product-Market Fit.
**The Two Validations:**
1. **Problem validation:** Do people actually have this problem? Do they care enough to seek solutions?
2. **Solution validation:** Does your solution actually solve the problem? Do people prefer it over alternatives?
**Signs of Problem-Solution Fit:**
- People actively search for solutions to the problem
- They've tried other solutions (showing they care)
- They can articulate their frustration clearly
- They respond positively to your solution concept
- Early users report the problem is genuinely solved
**Signs You Don't Have It:**
- You have to convince people they have the problem
- People say 'nice to have' instead of 'must have'
- Users try once and don't return
- No one will pay (even a small amount)
- Feedback is polite but not enthusiastic
**The Validation Process:**
1. **Identify assumed problem** - What problem do you think exists?
2. **Talk to potential users** - Do they confirm the problem?
3. **Understand current solutions** - What do they do now?
4. **Propose your solution** - Does it resonate?
5. **Test with real usage** - Does it actually solve their problem?
**Common Mistakes:**
- Building solutions to problems you have, not customers have
- Solving problems people don't care enough about
- Assuming 'better' means people will switch
- Skipping validation because you're certain
**Relationship to Other Fits:**
- **Problem-Solution Fit:** Does the solution work?
- **Product-Market Fit:** Does the market want it at scale?
- **Business Model Fit:** Can you deliver it profitably?
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