Question 1

What is zero-to-one in product development?

Accepted Answer

Zero-to-one refers to the phase of building a product from scratch before it exists — going from nothing (zero) to a first working version with real users (one). This phase requires different skills than scaling: it demands rapid hypothesis testing, direct user contact, and willingness to throw away work that doesn't resonate.

Question 2

How do I know if I'm ready to build a product roadmap?

Accepted Answer

You're ready for a roadmap when you have a validated problem, a defined target user, at least one confirmed assumption from real users, an aligned team, and engineering capacity. Without these, a roadmap is just a list of guesses that will change within 30 days of user contact.

Question 3

What do early-stage startups get wrong before building?

Accepted Answer

The most common mistake is jumping to a roadmap before validating the problem. The second is building for a broad user when a specific wedge user exists. The third is measuring outputs (features shipped) rather than outcomes (user behavior change). All three lead to a product that works technically but doesn't get used.

Zero-to-One Readiness Check

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