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What Should You Build?

robert@barcik.training

Take a vague GenAI idea through a structured validation process. In 6 steps you'll go from "we should use AI for something" to a concrete MVP recommendation.

Idea Pillars Validate Moat Prototype Summary
Step 1 — Describe Your Idea
Step 2 — Three Pillars Check

Which pillars does your solution use? Strong GenAI products combine multiple pillars — single-pillar solutions are vulnerable to the ChatGPT Tax.

✍️
Generate
Creates new content: text, images, code, summaries, translations
🔍
Retrieve
Searches, filters, or surfaces relevant information from data sources
⚡
Act
Takes actions: API calls, database writes, workflow triggers, notifications
⚠️ Single-pillar solutions are vulnerable to the ChatGPT Tax. Users can replicate "generate-only" or "retrieve-only" features with a €20/month ChatGPT subscription. Consider adding more pillars.
Step 3 — Four Validation Tests

🔄 Substitution Test

What do people use today to solve this problem?

Nothing — they suffer through it
Manual workarounds (spreadsheets, emails, etc.)
Existing software tools (partially solve it)
Strong existing solutions already available

💰 Payment Test

How much are people currently spending to solve this problem (annually)?

Nothing (or < €1K)
€1K – €10K
€10K – €100K
€100K+

🕑 Frequency Test

How often does the user encounter this problem?

Rarely (quarterly or less)
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or multiple times per day

🚨 Urgency Test

What happens if the problem isn't solved?

Minor inconvenience
Productivity loss
Revenue impact or significant waste
Critical business risk or compliance failure
Substitution Payment Frequency Urgency
Validation Score
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Complete all four tests to see your score
Step 4 — Cornerstone of Success

What gives your product a defensible advantage? Check all that apply. Without at least 2 cornerstones, you'll struggle to beat "just use ChatGPT."

✓
Proprietary Data
Access to unique datasets competitors can't easily replicate
✓
Specialized Behavior
Fine-tuned models, custom prompts, or domain expertise baked in
✓
Workflow Integration
Embedded in existing tools (Slack, CRM, ERP) — not a standalone app
✓
Privacy Advantage
On-premise, data residency, or compliance features competitors lack
⚠️ Weak defensibility. With fewer than 2 cornerstones, you'll struggle to beat "just use ChatGPT." Consider strengthening your moat before building.
Step 5 — Prototype Recommendation

Based on your validation level and pillar count, here's the recommended next step.

Recommended Prototype
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Complete previous steps to see your recommendation.
Full Summary
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AI transparency

This demo is a scripted, self-contained browser simulation. Nothing you type is sent to an AI model and no live AI system runs behind it, even where it plays one. Its code and copy were built with generative AI (Anthropic’s Claude) and reviewed by Robert Barcik, who is responsible for what is published (LearningDoe s.r.o.). Disclosed in the spirit of Article 50 of the EU AI Act.