Section 05: User Research & Validation Plan
Objective
Validate the core assumptions of SkillSwap with real suburban homeowners before building. Focus on problem existence, solution appeal, and willingness to engage in a time-based exchange system.
1. Key Assumptions to Validate
Problem Assumptions
| Assumption | Risk |
|---|---|
| Suburban homeowners have unmet needs they'd trust a neighbor to fulfill. | High |
| People feel awkward asking for direct favors but would use a structured system. | High |
| Existing platforms (Nextdoor, Facebook) are insufficient for skill exchange. | Med |
| People value their time equally across different skills (1 hr tutoring = 1 hr lawn care). | High |
Solution Assumptions
| Assumption | Risk |
|---|---|
| Users will create detailed skill profiles. | High |
| Community vouch system will ensure sufficient trust. | High |
| AI matching will improve exchange success rates. | Med |
| 3-credit starter will overcome chicken-and-egg problem. | High |
Business Assumptions
| Assumption | Risk |
|---|---|
| Suburban homeowners will pay $4.99/month for unlimited exchanges. | Critical |
| HOAs will pay $99/month for community dashboard. | High |
| Community champions can drive local adoption. | High |
2. Customer Discovery Interview Guide
Interview Framework (45-60 minutes)
Target: 25 interviews
Incentive: $25 gift card
Part 1: Neighborhood & Community (10 min)
- How long have you lived in your neighborhood?
- How many neighbors do you know by name?
- What community activities exist (HOA, block parties, etc.)?
- Have you ever asked a neighbor for help? What happened?
Part 2: Skill Exchange Scenarios (15 min)
- What's a skill you have that neighbors might want?
- What's a task you'd love help with but haven't asked?
- Show 3 scenarios: tutoring for yard work, tech help for baking lessons, etc.
- What concerns come to mind about trading with neighbors?
Part 3: Current Solutions & Gaps (10 min)
- Do you use Nextdoor/Facebook groups? For what?
- What's frustrating about current neighborhood platforms?
- Have you paid for TaskRabbit/Thumbtack? For what?
- What would make you prefer neighbor help over paid service?
Part 4: Solution Reaction & Pricing (10 min)
- Show wireframe of SkillSwap concept
- Which features seem most valuable?
- What would make you hesitant to join?
- "Would you pay $5/month for unlimited exchanges?" Why/why not?
3. Validation Experiments
4. 8-Week Validation Timeline
Weeks 1-2: Problem Discovery
High Risk- Conduct 15 homeowner interviews
- Run problem validation survey (n=200)
- Analyze: Is the "awkward favor" problem real?
Weeks 3-4: Solution & Messaging
Med Risk- Launch landing page with 3 headline variants
- Drive 1,500 visitors via targeted ads
- Collect 100+ waitlist signups
- Test pricing sensitivity
Weeks 5-6: Concierge MVP
High Risk- Recruit 20 neighbors in pilot community
- Manually facilitate 10-15 skill exchanges
- Test trust mechanisms (vouching, ratings)
- Validate time credit system fairness
Weeks 7-8: Go/No-Go Decision
Critical- Synthesize all validation data
- Calculate key metrics vs. targets
- Make build decision with confidence
- Refine business model based on learnings
5. Go/No-Go Decision Criteria
Decision Rule: Weighted score ≥ 70% = GO | 50-70% = ITERATE | <50% = NO-GO
Critical Success Factors
✓
Trust Over Technology
The vouch system must work before AI matching matters.
✓
Community Density
Need critical mass within 3-mile radius for matches.
✓
Time Valuation
Users must accept "1 hour = 1 credit" equality principle.
Total Validation Budget: $2,500
$800
Interview Incentives
$900
Ad Spend
$500
Tools & Software
$300
Concierge MVP Costs
This 8-week plan will validate SkillSwap's core assumptions with 80%+ confidence before any engineering investment.