Designing products that people actually want to use – easier said than done?

Funny! I just wrote a newsletter about this! The truth is, you don't need to be an expert to identify pain points and discover new business opportunities. In fact, some of the most successful entrepreneurs have found success by tackling problems in areas where they have no prior experience. So how can you discover your next big idea? Here are some tips to help you get started: Pay attention to your own experiences. Although you may not be an expert in a particular field, you still have expertise in other areas of your life. Maybe you encounter things daily that make you think, "well, that's a dumb way to do that" or "man, this is frustrating." When you think of any of those things, you have identified a problem. Maybe it is not the problem you want to work on. Perhaps it is not a problem you know how to solve. But it is a problem you encounter and, therefore a potential problem someone will pay you to solve. Talk to people in different fields. Just because you don't have domain knowledge in a specific area doesn't mean you can't gain insights from those who do. Talk to people in different fields and ask about their experiences and pain points. You might be surprised at what you learn and the opportunities you discover. Look for areas with a lack of practical solutions. One way to identify problems to solve is to look for areas lacking effective solutions. This could mean exploring niches within industries that are overlooked or ignored. By taking a fresh perspective and looking at things differently, you may uncover new opportunities and areas where you can provide value. While you may not have domain knowledge in a particular area, that doesn't mean you can't gain it. If you're interested in solving a particular problem, take the time to research and learn as much as you can about the subject. Not only will this give you a better understanding of the problem, but it can also help you identify new opportunities for innovation. Conduct surveys as market research. Market research is essential for any business looking to stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions about its products, services, and target audience. One effective market research method is conducting surveys, which can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, pain points, and behavior. With the rise of online platforms like Prolific, conducting surveys has never been easier, more efficient, or more effective. Such platforms connect researchers with a global pool of eager participants that can provide feedback and insights.