Use the problem test

Use these questions before you make the project harder to change:

• Does the problem exist beyond your immediate circle?
• Can you describe it clearly?
• Does its importance justify the effort?
• Do you understand why it is difficult?
• Is the difficulty clear to the people who experience it?
• What do existing solutions leave unresolved?
• Is the need likely to grow or diminish?
• Are you willing to learn this market in depth?

An unanswered question does not automatically end the project. It identifies work that must happen. A question that you refuse to ask can become a much more expensive problem later.