Talk to real people
Founders don’t guess. They ask. Here is how to ask well.
Examples for:
Founders don’t guess. They ask.
Before you spend a single rupee, find out if the problem is real. Talk to at least 3 people who have it (5 is better). Don’t pitch your idea. Ask about their life.
DoAsk about the past: “When did this last happen?” Ask for numbers. Listen way more than you talk. Write down their exact words.
Don’tAsk “would you use…?” or “don’t you think…?”. People say yes to be polite. Don’t argue when they say something you didn’t expect.
Try it
Good question or bad question?
“Would you use an app for this?”
“When did this last happen to you?”
“Don’t you think this is a big problem?”
“What do you do about it right now?”
“How much would you pay for my idea?”
“What does it cost you: time, money or stress?”
Your interview kit
1. “Can I ask you a few questions for a school project? It takes 5 minutes.”
2. “When did [the problem] last happen to you? What happened?”
3. “What do you do about it right now?”
4. “What does it cost you: time, money, worry?”
5. “Who else should I talk to about this?”
6. “Can I take a photo with you for our project?”
Real answers sound like this“Bhaiya, after 2 pm the tomatoes go soft. I throw away ₹150–200 every day. I tried a cloth on top but the wind takes it.”: a sabzi seller near the station.
Stay safe
- Always go in pairs or with your crew, and tell a parent where you’re going.
- Talk to people in public places, in daylight.
- Ask before you take any photo. If they say no, that’s fine: find someone else.
- Don’t share anyone’s phone number or address. “Sabzi seller, Station Road” is enough.
For your application, you’ll need:
- At least 3 people (5 is better) who have the problem
- A photo with each person, taken with their permission
- What each person told you
- The most surprising thing someone said