About idea-validator
idea-validator is a structured framework for assessing startup ideas before development. It combines a problem assessment matrix, a Perceived Created Value score, and discovery questions to help founders decide whether an idea needs refinement or merits pursuit.
Key features
- 01Rate problem frequency and severity
- 02Score perceived created value across four dimensions
- 03Use guided customer discovery questions
- 04Connect validation with related startup skills
Use cases
- 01Assess an idea before committing to development
- 02Identify weaknesses in the problem or customer definition
- 03Compare a proposed solution with current alternatives
- 04Decide whether to refine or pursue a startup idea
Install
Copy the command and run it in a terminal.
npx skills add https:/After installing, type/idea-validatorin Claude Code to confirm it loaded.
Bundled filesplugin.jsonreferences/full-guide.md
Details
From the project READMEIdea 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