feat: add research category

2025-11-02 20:11:16 +07:00 · 2025-11-02 20:11:16 +07:00 · 60d019aff3
parent 7a95b34ff4
commit 60d019aff3
3 changed files with 435 additions and 384 deletions
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 ## 📂 DOCUMENTATION: STRUCTURE AND ACCESS
 **Location:** `/projects/my-projects/banatie-strategy/`  
-**Access:** Filesystem MCP (local files, not Project Knowledge)
+**Access:** Filesystem MCP (local files)
 ### Folder Structure
@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ banatie-strategy/
 ├── CLAUDE.md              # This file - AI configuration
 ├── INDEX.md               # Map of all documents
 ├── ROADMAP.md             # Current status and priorities
-├── README.md              # Project overview
+├── FRAMEWORK.md           # Discussion framework
 │
 ├── strategy/              # Strategic documents
 │   ├── 01-market-positioning-and-segments.md
@ -33,9 +33,15 @@ banatie-strategy/
 │   ├── 10-pricing-strategy.md
 │   └── [other execution docs]
 │
 ├── research/              # Passive research (flat structure)
 │   ├── method-*.md        # Research methodology documents
 │   ├── direction-N-*.md   # Research directions (expandable)
 │   ├── signals-*.md       # Strong signals found
 │   ├── analysis-*.md      # Synthesis and discussion outcomes
 │   └── MIGRATION-GUIDE.md # Guide for copying from Project Knowledge
 │
 ├── discussions/           # Strategic session history
-│   ├── 2025-10-19-initial-strategic-session.md
+│   └── YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md
 │   └── [summaries of future sessions: YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md]
 │
 └── backlog/              # Ideas and future topics
    └── 06-future-topics-backlog.md
@ -43,20 +49,23 @@ banatie-strategy/
 ### File Naming Rules
-**Numbering:** Sequential numbering across all documentation (01, 02, 03... 99)
+**Research folder (FLAT structure with prefixes):**
- Each number is assigned once and never reused
+- `direction-N-name.md` - Research directions (N = reference number)
- New documents get the next available number
+- `signals-name.md` - Strong signals and findings
- Deleted documents don't free up their numbers
+- `analysis-name.md` - Strategic analysis and synthesis
- **Exception:** `discussions/` folder uses date-based naming (see below)
+- `methodology-name.md` - Research methodologies (if needed)
 - `INDEX.md` - Overview and methodology
-**Name format:** `{number}-{kebab-case-description}.md`
+**Main documentation (numbered):**
- Examples: `01-market-positioning.md`, `15-launch-strategy.md`
+- Sequential numbering across strategy/ and execution/ (01, 02, 03... 99)
- Exceptions: Master files (CLAUDE.md, INDEX.md, ROADMAP.md, README.md)
+- Each number assigned once, never reused
 - Format: `{number}-{kebab-case-description}.md`
 - Exceptions: Master files (CLAUDE.md, INDEX.md, ROADMAP.md, FRAMEWORK.md)
-**Discussions folder format:** `YYYY-MM-DD-{kebab-case-topic}.md`
+**Discussions folder:**
- Examples: `2025-10-19-initial-strategic-session.md`, `2025-11-15-pricing-review.md`
+- Format: `YYYY-MM-DD-{kebab-case-topic}.md`
- Discussions are excluded from cross-project numbering
+- Chronological sorting by date
- Chronological sorting by date for session history
+- Excluded from cross-project numbering
 **Status in document header:**
 - ✅ Validated - confirmed through research/data
@ -71,7 +80,7 @@ banatie-strategy/
 ### Session Initialization
-**Step 1:** Read 3 mandatory files (in this order):
+**Step 1:** Read mandatory files (in this order):
 1. `ROADMAP.md` - current priorities and active sprint
 2. `INDEX.md` - document map and quick links
 3. `CLAUDE.md` - this file for understanding structure
@ -127,11 +136,12 @@ banatie-strategy/
 **Where to save:**
 - Strategic decisions → `strategy/`
 - Plans and execution → `execution/`
 - Research findings → `research/` (with appropriate prefix)
 - Session summaries → `discussions/`
 - Future ideas → `backlog/`
 **After creation:**
-1. Assign next available number
+1. Assign next available number (if strategy/ or execution/)
 2. Add to INDEX.md
 3. Cross-link with relevant docs
 4. Update ROADMAP.md if affects priorities
@ -163,9 +173,10 @@ banatie-strategy/
 7. Updates ROADMAP.md (if action items exist)
 **Where to save:**
- Strategic session summary → `discussions/YYYY-MM-DD-{topic}.md` (date-based, no number)
+- Strategic session → `discussions/YYYY-MM-DD-{topic}.md` (date-based)
 - New strategic decision → `strategy/{number}-{topic}.md`
 - Execution plan → `execution/{number}-{topic}.md`
 - Research → `research/{prefix}-{topic}.md`
 - Future idea → `backlog/{number}-{topic}.md`
 **When to use:** At the end of each significant discussion
@ -218,6 +229,6 @@ banatie-strategy/
 ---
-**Last updated:** 2024-10-30  
+**Last updated:** November 2, 2025  
-**Version:** 2.0  
+**Version:** 2.1  
 **Owner:** @men + Oleg
--- a/INDEX.md
+++ b/INDEX.md
@ -1,19 +1,20 @@
 # Banatie Strategy Documentation Index
-**Last Updated:** 2025-11-01
+**Last Updated:** November 2, 2025  
-**Total Documents:** 13 (numbered) + discussions (date-based)
+**Total Documents:** 13 (numbered in strategy/execution) + research (prefixed)  
-**Next Available Number:** 12 (or 15 if keeping 12-14 reserved)
+**Next Available Number:** 13  
 **Project Stage:** Pre-launch / ICP Validation
 ---
 ## 📊 Numbering System
-**Rule:** Sequential numbering across all documentation (01-99)
+**Rule:** Sequential numbering for strategy/ and execution/ folders (01-99)
 - Each number is used only once
 - New document = next available number
 - Deleted documents don't free up numbers
- **Exception:** `discussions/` folder uses date-based format (YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md)
+- **Exception:** `discussions/` uses date-based format (YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md)
 - **Exception:** `research/` uses flat structure with prefixes (direction-, signals-, analysis-)
 **Currently Used:**
 - 01 - Market Positioning
@ -27,10 +28,6 @@
 - 11 - Technical Architecture
 - 12 - Current Tech State
 **Released from numbering:**
 - ~~04~~ - Moved to discussions/ with date-based naming
 - ~~05~~ - Never created, number freed
 **Next to assign:** 13
 ---
@ -40,12 +37,43 @@
 **For new sessions START HERE:**
 - [ROADMAP.md](ROADMAP.md) - Current priorities and status
 - [Reality Check](strategy/02-reality-check.md) - Founder constraints
- [Validated ICP](strategy/07-validated-icp-ai-developers.md) - Target audience
+- [Research Methodology](research/method-passive-research.md) - Passive research guide
 **For strategic decisions:**
 - [Market Positioning](strategy/01-market-positioning-and-segments.md)
 - [Validated ICP](strategy/07-validated-icp-ai-developers.md)
 - [ICP Segmentation A/B/C/D](research/analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md)
 **For execution:**
 - [Pricing Strategy](execution/10-pricing-strategy.md)
 - [MVP Scope](execution/09-mvp-scope.md)
 - [Validation Plan](execution/08-validation-plan.md)
 ---
 ## 📂 Core Documentation
 ### Master Files
 **[CLAUDE.md](CLAUDE.md)**  
 *AI assistant configuration, folder structure, commands*  
 Status: 📝 Living document  
 Purpose: Guide for @men on how to work with documentation
 **[INDEX.md](INDEX.md)** (this file)  
 *Complete map of all documents*  
 Status: 📝 Living document  
 Purpose: Navigation and quick reference
 **[ROADMAP.md](ROADMAP.md)**  
 *Current status, active sprint, milestones*  
 Status: 📝 Living document  
 Purpose: Track progress and priorities
 **[FRAMEWORK.md](FRAMEWORK.md)**  
 *Discussion and documentation best practices*  
 Status: 📝 Living document  
 Purpose: Guide for strategic sessions with @men
 ---
@ -56,23 +84,22 @@
 **[01 - Market Positioning](strategy/01-market-positioning-and-segments.md)** (v2.0, Oct 20)  
 *Positioning, competitors, market size ($25B+ dev tools)*  
 Status: ✅ Validated  
-Key insight: We're NOT in "AI Image Generation" ($400M) - we're in "Developer Tools for AI-Powered Development" ($25B+ subset)
+Key insight: We're in "Developer Tools for AI-Powered Development" ($25B+ subset)
 **[02 - Reality Check](strategy/02-reality-check.md)** (Oct 19)  
 *Founder situation, financial goals, constraints*  
 Status: 📝 Living document, review monthly  
-Critical: Solo founder, family of 5, $6K/month sole income, 15-20 hrs/week available, newborn (Kirill, Oct 7, 2024)
+Critical: Solo founder, family of 5, $6K/month sole income, 15-20 hrs/week available
 **[07 - Validated ICP](strategy/07-validated-icp-ai-developers.md)** (v1.0, Oct 20)  
 *AI-powered developers as primary ICP*  
 Confidence: HIGH (80%) - founder IS the ICP  
-Target: Developers using Claude Code/Cursor who build web projects regularly
+Target: Developers using Claude Code/Cursor who build web projects
-**[11 - Technical Architecture](strategy/11-technical-architecture.md)** (v1.0, Nov 1)
+**[11 - Technical Architecture](strategy/11-technical-architecture.md)** (v1.0, Nov 1)  
-*Platform architecture, tech stack, 6-stage pipeline, MVP release strategy*
+*Platform architecture, tech stack, 6-stage pipeline*  
-Status: ✅ Validated
+Status: ✅ Validated  
-Stack: Express, Next.js, Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, MinIO, PostgreSQL, Cloudflare, Imageflow
+Stack: Express, Next.js, Gemini 2.5 Flash, MinIO, PostgreSQL, Cloudflare
 Key differentiators: Flow-based generation, on-demand URL generation, @name references, transformation pipeline
 ---
@ -81,52 +108,86 @@ Key differentiators: Flow-based generation, on-demand URL generation, @name refe
 ### Validation & Launch Planning
 **[03 - ICP Research Questions](execution/03-icp-research-questions.md)** (v2.0, Oct 20)  
-*Interview script, validation framework for AI developers*  
+*Interview script, validation framework*  
 Status: 🔄 In use - validation in progress  
-Goal: 10-15 interviews to validate willingness to use + pay
+Goal: 10-15 interviews to validate willingness to pay
 **[08 - Validation Plan](execution/08-validation-plan.md)** (Oct 20)  
-*2-week sprint plan, 10-15 interviews, stealth outreach strategy*  
+*2-week sprint plan, 10-15 interviews, stealth outreach*  
 Timeline: Oct 20 - Nov 3, 2025  
-Channels: Reddit (r/ClaudeAI, r/ChatGPTCoding), Indie Hackers, Discord
+Channels: Reddit, Indie Hackers, Discord
 **[09 - MVP Scope](execution/09-mvp-scope.md)** (Oct 20)  
-*Must-have features, 4-6 week dev timeline, launch criteria*  
+*Must-have features, 4-6 week dev timeline*  
 Status: ⏳ Pending validation results  
-Core features: MCP integration, Prompt Enhancement, CDN delivery, @name references, credit payments
+Core: MCP integration, Prompt Enhancement, CDN, @references
 **[10 - Pricing Strategy](execution/10-pricing-strategy.md)** (v2.0, Oct 20)  
-*Hybrid model: Credits + Subscription, based on Oleg's feedback*  
+*Hybrid model: Credits + Subscription*  
 Tiers:  
- Free: 10 gens/month (with watermark)
+- Free: 10 gens/month (watermark)
- Credits: $20-100 for 200-1500 gens (90-day expiry)
+- Credits: $20-100 for 200-1500 gens
- Pro: $49/month for 500 gens + exclusive features
+- Pro: $49/month for 500 gens
-### Technical Appendices
+### Technical Documentation
-**[12 - Current Tech State](execution/12-the-current-tech-state.md)** (v1.0, Nov 1)
+**[12 - Current Tech State](execution/12-the-current-tech-state.md)** (v1.0, Nov 1)  
-*Business-focused overview of platform capabilities and market readiness*
+*Business-focused overview of platform capabilities*  
-Status: 📝 Working Document (updates as features complete)
+Status: 📝 Working Document  
-Key insight: Platform mostly production-ready with core features operational. Gaps: DB integration, transformations, CDN, VPS deployment, marketing landing.
+Key: Platform mostly production-ready, gaps identified
-**[Appendix 1](execution/appendex1.md)** - SDK code examples
+**[Appendix 1](execution/appendex1.md)** - SDK code examples  
-Flow-based generation, on-demand URL generation patterns
+**[Appendix 2](execution/appendex2.md)** - Use cases & conversion
-**[Appendix 2](execution/appendex2.md)** - Use cases & conversion strategy
+---
-Target scenarios, UI proposal, MVP requirements
+
 ## 🔬 Research Documents
 **See:** [research/method-passive-research.md](research/method-passive-research.md) for detailed methodology
 ### Research Structure (Flat with Prefixes)
 **Methodology:**
 - [method-passive-research.md](research/method-passive-research.md) - Complete research guide
 **Directions:**
 - [direction-1-agencies-placeholder-hell.md](research/direction-1-agencies-placeholder-hell.md)
 - [direction-2-ai-coding-agents.md](research/direction-2-ai-coding-agents.md) ⭐ STRONGEST
 - [direction-6-gemini-ecommerce.md](research/direction-6-gemini-ecommerce.md)
 - *(Additional directions from Project Knowledge to be added)*
 **Signals:**
 - [signals-summary.md](research/signals-summary.md) - Aggregate findings
 - *(Copy from Project Knowledge: direction-1/2/6-strong-signals.md)*
 **Analysis:**
 - [analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md](research/analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md) ⭐ NEW - A/B/C/D framework
 ### Key Research Insights
 **Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents): 70-80% confidence** ⭐
 - ICP match = excellent (founder IS the ICP)
 - Market size = huge (36K+ r/cursor members)
 - Willingness to pay = validated ($20-200/mo)
 - Technical fit = perfect (MCP + SDK)
 **ICP Segmentation (A/B/C/D):**
 - **A:** Studios/Agencies (CEO decision) - Direction 1 focus
 - **B:** Power Users (Tech leads with Cursor) - Direction 2 PRIMARY
 - **C:** Freelancers (Solo decision) - Cross-direction
 - **D:** AI-savvy Freelancers - Direction 2 SECONDARY
 ---
 ## 💬 Discussion History
-**Note:** Discussions use date-based naming (YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md), excluded from cross-project numbering.
+**Note:** Discussions use date-based naming (YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md)
-**[2025-10-19 - Initial Strategic Session](discussions/2025-10-19-initial-strategic-session.md)**
+**[2025-10-19 - Initial Strategic Session](discussions/2025-10-19-initial-strategic-session.md)**  
-*First strategic session - 2 hours with @men*
+*First strategic session - 2 hours with @men*  
 Outcomes:
- ICP direction clarified (AI developers, not agencies initially)
+- ICP direction clarified (AI developers)
- Pricing model validated (hybrid credits + subscription)
+- Pricing model validated (hybrid)
 - Reality check documented (constraints, timeline, financial goals)
 - Documentation framework established
 ---
@ -136,8 +197,8 @@ Outcomes:
 **[06 - Future Topics](backlog/06-future-topics-backlog.md)** (Oct 19)  
 *Upcoming discussions prioritized by urgency*  
 Current priorities:  
- Soon: MVP scope finalization, pricing finalization, pre-launch strategy
+- Soon: MVP scope finalization, pre-launch strategy
- Eventually: Social media strategy, Google Ads, employer discovery risk management ("свечение фейса")
+- Eventually: Social media, Google Ads, employer risk management
 ---
@ -145,12 +206,12 @@ Current priorities:
 ### Critical path for new @men sessions:
 ```
-ROADMAP.md → 02-reality-check.md → 07-validated-icp.md → [relevant execution doc]
+ROADMAP.md → 02-reality-check.md → research/method-passive-research.md → research/analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md
 ```
 ### For strategic pivots:
 ```
-01-market-positioning.md → discussions/2025-10-19-initial-strategic-session.md → 06-future-topics-backlog.md
+01-market-positioning.md → research/signals-summary.md → research/analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md → 07-validated-icp.md
 ```
 ### For tactical execution:
@ -182,20 +243,19 @@ ROADMAP.md → 02-reality-check.md → 07-validated-icp.md → [relevant executi
 - MVP Scope (09) - what's realistic in 4-6 weeks
 - Pricing Strategy (10) - break-even requirements ($100-500 MRR)
-**Validated ICP (07) drives:**
+**Research (research/) validates:**
- ICP Research Questions (03) - interview script
+- Validated ICP (07) - external confirmation
 - ICP Segmentation (research/analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md)
 - Interview Questions (03) - pain points to validate
 - Validation Plan (08) - where to find respondents
 - MVP Scope (09) - which features matter most
 - Pricing Strategy (10) - willingness to pay validation
 **Technical Architecture (11) + Current Tech State (12) define:**
- What the platform can do (architecture + implementation status)
+- What platform can do (architecture + implementation status)
- MVP Scope (09) - what MUST be built vs. what's already done
+- MVP Scope (09) - what MUST be built vs already done
- Validation Plan (08) - which features to showcase in interviews
+- Launch readiness - gap analysis
 - Launch readiness - gap analysis between current state and market needs
-**Discussion Framework (05) guides:**
+**Discussion Framework (FRAMEWORK.md) guides:**
- All future strategic sessions
+- All strategic sessions
 - Documentation creation process
 - Decision-making workflows
@ -215,7 +275,13 @@ ROADMAP.md → 02-reality-check.md → 07-validated-icp.md → [relevant executi
 - Marketing campaigns
 - Sales processes
-**Session summaries** → `discussions/` (use date-based format: YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md)
+**Research findings** → `research/` (use prefixes)
 - `direction-N-*.md` - Research directions
 - `signals-*.md` - Strong signals found
 - `analysis-*.md` - Strategic analysis
 - `methodology-*.md` - Research methods (if needed)
 **Session summaries** → `discussions/` (date-based: YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md)
 - Strategic planning sessions
 - Major decision meetings
 - Retrospectives
@ -230,13 +296,13 @@ ROADMAP.md → 02-reality-check.md → 07-validated-icp.md → [relevant executi
 **Navigation tip:** Use Ctrl+F to search by topic, document name, or status emoji.
 **Maintenance:** Update this INDEX.md whenever:
- New document created (assign next number, add to relevant section)
+- New document created (assign number/prefix, add to section)
 - Document status changes (update emoji and notes)
- New relationships identified (add to Dependencies section)
+- New relationships identified (add to Dependencies)
- Quarterly review (prune deprecated docs, reorganize if needed)
+- Quarterly review (prune deprecated docs, reorganize)
 ---
 **Last maintained by:** @men  
-**Version:** 2.0  
+**Version:** 3.0 (research folder restructured to flat + prefixes)  
 **Next review:** After ICP validation complete (Nov 3, 2025)
--- a/ROADMAP.md
+++ b/ROADMAP.md
@ -6,248 +6,169 @@
 - ✅ **Completed tasks:** Record actual completion date
 - 🔄 **In progress:** Show start date + estimated duration
- 📅 **Future tasks:** Show estimated duration only (e.g., "2-4 weeks", "3 months")
+- 📅 **Future tasks:** Show estimated duration only
- 🎯 **Milestones:** Relative timeframes from key decision points (e.g., "Month 3 after validation")
+- 🎯 **Milestones:** Relative timeframes from key decision points
-**Why:** With 15-20 hrs/week availability, fixed deadlines create false pressure. Relative estimates allow flexibility while tracking actual velocity for better future planning.
+**Why:** With 15-20 hrs/week availability, fixed deadlines create false pressure.
 ---
 ## 🎯 Current Status
-**Phase:** Pre-launch / ICP Validation
+**Phase:** Pre-launch / ICP Validation  
-**Version:** 1.1
+**Sprint:** Interview Preparation (Day 1 of 2)  
-**Next Milestone:** Complete ICP External Validation
+**Focus:** A/B/C/D Segmentation Framework Complete  
 **Next Milestone:** Begin validation interviews (10-14 across segments)  
 **Last Updated:** November 2, 2025
 ---
-## ✅ Completed Sprint: Foundation (Oct 20 - Oct 30)
+## ✅ Completed: Foundation (Oct 20 - Oct 30)
-### ✅ COMPLETED
+- [x] Market positioning clarified (Oct 25, 2025)
- [x] Market positioning clarified (Completed: Oct 25, 2025)
+- [x] ICP hypothesis validated internally (Oct 28, 2025)
- [x] ICP hypothesis validated internally - founder IS the ICP (Completed: Oct 28, 2025)
+- [x] Pricing strategy drafted (Oct 29, 2025)
- [x] Pricing strategy drafted - hybrid credits + subscription model (Completed: Oct 29, 2025)
+- [x] MVP scope defined (Oct 30, 2025)
- [x] MVP scope defined - MCP + core features (Completed: Oct 30, 2025)
+- [x] Documentation framework established (Oct 30, 2025)
 - [x] Documentation framework established - filesystem MCP approach (Completed: Oct 30, 2025)
 ---
-## 🔄 Active Sprint: ICP External Validation
+## ✅ Completed: Passive Research Phase 1 (Oct 31 - Nov 2)
-**Started:** Oct 31, 2025
+- [x] Direction 1 research (Agencies + Placeholder Hell) - Strong signals
-**Est. duration:** 2 weeks
+- [x] Direction 2 research (AI Coding Agents) - ⭐ STRONGEST validation
-**Owner:** Oleg
+- [x] Direction 6 research (Gemini/E-commerce) - Parking lot (ICP mismatch)
 - [x] A/B/C/D segmentation framework created
 - [x] Research documentation restructured (flat + prefixes)
-### Status
+**Key Outcomes:**
- Interviews completed: **0 / 10**
+- Direction 2 = 70-80% confidence (AI coding agents)
- Decision: GO/PIVOT/STOP pending
+- ICP refined to 4 segments: A/B/C/D
 - Technical product = same for all segments
 - GTM differs by segment (messaging, pricing, channels)
 ---
 ## 🔄 Active Sprint: Interview Preparation (Nov 2 - Nov 3)
 **Goal:** Prepare for 10-14 validation interviews across A/B/C/D segments
 ### Tasks
- [ ] Create throwaway Reddit account (stealth mode)
+- [ ] Create interview scripts for each segment (4 scripts)
- [ ] Post in r/ClaudeAI: "How do you handle images in Claude Code?"
+  - [ ] A: Studios/Agencies (CEO/Manager)
- [ ] Post in r/ChatGPTCoding: "AI-assisted devs: image generation workflow?"
+  - [ ] B: Power Users (Tech leads with Cursor)
- [ ] Conduct 10-15 text-based interviews via DM
+  - [ ] C: Freelancers (Solo)
- [ ] Fill validation scorecard after each interview
+  - [ ] D: AI-savvy Freelancers
- [ ] Make GO/PIVOT/STOP decision based on results
+- [ ] Identify specific outreach targets:
-
+  - [ ] B: r/cursor Discord members, specific power users
-### ⏸️ BLOCKED / WAITING
+  - [ ] D: Twitter #AIFreelancer list (20-30 profiles)
- [ ] MVP development (blocked by: need confirmed feature priorities from validation)
+  - [ ] A: LinkedIn agency CEOs (50-100 list)
- [ ] Beta user outreach (blocked by: need validated messaging)
+  - [ ] C: Upwork active freelancers, r/freelance members
- [ ] Pricing finalization (blocked by: need ICP confirmation of willingness to pay)
+- [ ] Prepare validation scorecard (track by segment)
 - [ ] Plan outreach timeline (7-day sprint schedule)
 ---
-## 📅 Upcoming Milestones
+## 📅 Upcoming Sprint: External Validation (Nov 4 - Nov 10)
-### Post-Validation Phase (1-2 weeks after validation decision)
+**Est. duration:** 7 days  
 **Owner:** Oleg
-**IF GO decision (60%+ willing to use, 40%+ willing to pay $20+):**
+### Interview Distribution
- [ ] Finalize MVP scope based on validated top 3 needs from interviews
+- **B (Power Users):** 3-4 interviews (PRIMARY focus)
- [ ] Begin MCP server development
+- **D (AI Freelancers):** 3-4 interviews (SECONDARY)
- [ ] Prepare beta access list from interviews (early adopters identified)
+- **A (Studios):** 2-3 interviews (TERTIARY)
- [ ] Plan soft launch strategy (Reddit post schedule, messaging)
+- **C (Freelancers):** 2-3 interviews (BONUS)
-**IF PIVOT decision (<60% interest OR weak willingness to pay):**
+**Total:** 10-14 interviews
 - [ ] Select alternative ICP (agencies? e-commerce? different dev segment?)
 - [ ] Prepare new interview script tailored to alternative ICP
 - [ ] Run 5-10 more interviews (est. 1-2 weeks)
 - [ ] Final GO/STOP decision
-**IF STOP decision (<40% interest, no one willing to pay):**
+### Success Criteria
- [ ] Document learnings (what didn't work, what insights gained)
+- 60%+ say "I would use this" (6+ out of 10)
- [ ] Thank all interviewees professionally
+- 40%+ willing to pay $20+ (4+ out of 10)
- [ ] Decide: tackle different problem OR shut down project
+- 30%+ want early access (3+ out of 10)
- [ ] Focus energy back on day job (reduce stress, reassess in 3-6 months)
+- **KILLER USE CASE identified:** ONE specific pain mentioned by 60%+
 ### Outreach Channels (Reddit ban workaround)
 - **Discord #1:** Cursor + Claude servers (most active)
 - **Twitter/X #2:** Search #cursor #ClaudeCode #AICoding
 - **Dev.to #3:** Comment on AI coding articles
 - **Indie Hackers #4:** Direct messaging
 - **LinkedIn #5:** Careful approach (employer risk)
 ---
-### MVP Development Phase (4-6 weeks)
+## 📊 Key Metrics Dashboard
 *(Assuming GO decision)*
-**Est. duration: 4-6 weeks total**
+**Updated:** Weekly (Sundays)
- **Weeks 1-2:** Core generation pipeline + MCP integration
+### Validation Metrics (Active Sprint)
-  - REST API endpoints finalized
+- Interviews completed: **0 / 10**
-  - Prompt Enhancement Agent working
+- Positive responses ("I would use"): **- / -**
-  - Image generation with @name references
+- Willing to pay $20+: **- / -**
-  - Basic storage + CDN integration
+- Early access requests: **- / -**
  - **Deliverable:** Working API (generate + upload + references)
- **Week 3:** MCP implementation
+**By Segment:**
-  - MCP server setup (follow spec)
+- A (Studios): **0 / 3** interviews
-  - Implement 3 tools: banatie_generate, banatie_upload, banatie_list_images
+- B (Power Users): **0 / 4** interviews ⭐ PRIMARY
-  - Test with Claude Desktop
+- C (Freelancers): **0 / 3** interviews
-  - Documentation for MCP usage
+- D (AI Freelancers): **0 / 4** interviews ⭐ SECONDARY
  - **Deliverable:** Working MCP integration
 - **Week 4:** Transformations + UI refinement
  - Image transformation service (Imageflow or Cloudflare)
  - Refine demo UI (code snippets, transformation previews)
  - Dashboard (history, usage stats)
  - API key management
  - **Deliverable:** Functional UI for testing
 - **Week 5:** Payments + polish
  - Stripe integration (credit packs: $20, $50, $100)
  - Free tier limits enforcement (10/month with watermark)
  - Landing page copy + design
  - API documentation (REST + MCP)
  - **Deliverable:** Monetization-ready product
 - **Week 6:** Beta testing + iteration
  - Invite 5-10 validated users from research
  - High-touch onboarding (help with MCP setup)
  - Gather feedback, fix critical bugs
  - Iterate on UX pain points
  - **Deliverable:** Product-market fit signals or pivot triggers
 ---
 ### Soft Launch & Growth Phase (Months 3-6 after validation)
 **Month 3:** First paying customers
 - Goal: 5-10 beta users onboarded
 - 50+ generations completed
 - 2+ users purchase credits (willingness to pay validated)
 - Target MRR: $200-500
 **Month 4:** Soft launch to communities
 - Post in r/ClaudeAI: "Show HN: Generate images from Claude Code via MCP"
 - Indie Hackers build-in-public post
 - Dev.to technical content (tutorial: "Automate image gen in Next.js with Claude Code")
 - Target MRR: $500-1,000
 **Month 5:** Growth optimization
 - SEO content (start ranking for "AI image generation API", "Claude Code images")
 - Community building (Discord, Reddit presence)
 - Case studies from early users
 - Target MRR: $1-2K (Side Project Validation milestone)
 ---
 ## 🎯 Long-term Goals (Relative Milestones)
 ### Month 6 Checkpoint: Side Project Validation
 **Timeframe:** ~6 months after validation
 **Success criteria:**
 - MRR: $1-2K
 - Customers: 10-20 paying
 - Churn: <5% monthly
 - Signal: Product-market fit OR clear pivot needed
 **Decision:** Continue scaling OR reassess viability
 ---
 ### Month 9 Checkpoint: Hybrid Mode Decision
 **Timeframe:** ~9 months after validation
 **Success criteria:**
 - MRR: $3-5K
 - Customers: 30-50 paying
 - Usage: Predictable growth pattern
 **Options:**
 - Negotiate 4-day work week with employer (80% salary = $4.8K)
 - OR: Stay full-time job, continue nights/weekends
 - Combined income: $7-10K/month (meets family needs + buffer)
 ---
 ### Month 12 Checkpoint: Full-time Leap Evaluation
 **Timeframe:** ~12 months after validation
 **Success criteria:**
 - MRR: $6K+ (current salary replacement)
 - OR: 12-month runway saved + high confidence in growth
 - OR: MRR = $4-5K + spouse (Ekaterina) involved in admin with income
 **Decision:** Go full-time on Banatie OR continue hybrid
 **Long-term vision (24-36 months from validation):**
 - $15-30K MRR: Sustainable solo/small team business
 - Hire 1-2 people (support, marketing, or tech)
 - Consider Ekaterina full-time on admin/ops
 ---
 ## 🚦 Decision Gates
-### GATE 1: ICP Validation (ACTIVE - Est. 2 weeks)
+### GATE 1: ICP Validation (ACTIVE - Est. Nov 10, 2025)
-**Started:** Oct 31, 2025
+**Started:** Nov 2, 2025 (preparation phase)
 **Success criteria (ALL must be met):**
 - 60%+ interviews say "I would use this" (6 out of 10)
 - 40%+ willing to pay $20+ (4 out of 10)
 - 30%+ want early access (3 out of 10)
- **KILLER USE CASE identified:** ONE specific, frequent, expensive pain mentioned by 60%+ respondents (not scattered generic needs)
+- **KILLER USE CASE:** ONE specific, frequent pain mentioned by 60%+ (not scattered needs)
 - Budget confirmed (they pay for other tools)
 **Possible outcomes:**
- ✅ **GO** → Build MVP for AI developers (strong signals)
+- ✅ **GO** → Build MVP for validated segment (4-6 weeks)
- 🔄 **PIVOT** → Test different ICP (weak signals, add 1-2 weeks)
+- 🔄 **PIVOT** → Test different segment (add 1-2 weeks)
- 🛑 **STOP** → Shut down or fundamental rethink (no market fit)
+- 🛑 **STOP** → No market fit, fundamental rethink
 **Review:** Upon completion with @men
 ---
-### GATE 2: MVP Launch Readiness (Week 6 of MVP development)
+### GATE 2: MVP Launch Readiness
 **Timeframe:** ~6-8 weeks after Gate 1 GO decision
 **Success criteria:**
 - MCP integration works reliably (95%+ success rate)
- 5-10 beta users onboarded and generating images
+- 5-10 beta users onboarded
- 50+ generations completed (usage validated)
+- 50+ generations completed
- 2+ users purchase credits (monetization validated)
+- 2+ users purchase credits
- No critical bugs blocking core workflow
+- No critical bugs
 **Possible outcomes:**
- ✅ **LAUNCH** → Soft launch to r/ClaudeAI, Indie Hackers
+- ✅ **LAUNCH** → Soft launch to communities
- 🔄 **ITERATE** → Add 1-2 weeks for bug fixes, UX improvements
+- 🔄 **ITERATE** → Add 1-2 weeks for improvements
- 🛑 **PIVOT** → Different approach needed (MCP too complex? Different features?)
+- 🛑 **PIVOT** → Different approach needed
 **Review:** Upon completion
 ---
-### GATE 3: PMF Validation (Month 6 checkpoint)
+### GATE 3: PMF Validation
-**Timeframe:** ~6 months after Gate 1 GO decision
+**Timeframe:** ~6 months after Gate 1 GO
 **Success criteria:**
 - $1-2K MRR achieved
- <5% monthly churn (customers staying)
+- <5% monthly churn
 - "Can't live without" feedback from 3+ users
- Organic word-of-mouth starting (referrals, shares)
+- Organic word-of-mouth starting
 - Usage growing without marketing spend
 **Possible outcomes:**
- ✅ **SCALE** → Invest in growth (content, partnerships, paid ads eventually)
+- ✅ **SCALE** → Invest in growth
- 🔄 **OPTIMIZE** → Refine product, improve conversion
+- 🔄 **OPTIMIZE** → Refine product
- 🛑 **PIVOT/STOP** → No PMF achieved after 6 months, reassess fundamentally
+- 🛑 **PIVOT/STOP** → No PMF after 6 months
 **Review:** Upon reaching timeframe
 ---
@ -256,168 +177,221 @@
 ### HIGH PRIORITY RISKS
 **1. Burnout Risk (Severity: HIGH)**
- **Factors:** Full-time job + side project + newborn (Kirill, 2 weeks old) + family of 5
+- Factors: Full-time job + side project + newborn (Kirill, Oct 7) + family of 5
- **Current exposure:** Working 60+ hrs/week total (40 job + 20 Banatie)
+- Current exposure: 60+ hrs/week total
- **Monitor:** Weekly health check-ins (Sundays)
+- Monitor: Weekly health check-ins (Sundays)
- **Mitigation:** 
+- Mitigation: Strict time boundaries, one full day off/week, use Agent Coding
-  - Strict time boundaries (no work after 10 PM)
+- Red flags: Health decline, family tension, job performance suffering
-  - One full day off per week (family only)
+- Abort: If health/family at risk, pause Banatie
  - Use Agent Coding (Claude Code) to maximize efficiency
  - Cut scope ruthlessly (MVP, not full vision)
 - **Red flags:** Physical health decline, family tension, day job performance suffering
 - **Abort criteria:** If health/family at risk, pause Banatie (not worth it)
 ---
 **2. Financial Pressure Risk (Severity: HIGH)**
- **Factors:** Zero savings buffer, school tuition coming, single income ($6K/month)
+- Factors: Zero buffer, school tuition coming, $6K/month sole income
- **Current exposure:** No emergency fund, Daniel's private school pending
+- Current exposure: No emergency fund
- **Monitor:** Monthly expense tracking, runway calculation
+- Monitor: Monthly expense tracking
- **Mitigation:**
+- Mitigation: Keep day job until ≥$6K MRR, minimize expenses
-  - Keep day job until Banatie ≥ $6K MRR (non-negotiable)
+- Red flags: Credit card debt, unpaid tuition, family money stress
-  - Negotiate hybrid work arrangement early (6-month mark if traction)
+- Abort: If Banatie costs >$500/month without revenue
  - Bootstrap (no fundraising until PMF clear)
  - Minimize Banatie expenses (use family VPS, free tools)
 - **Red flags:** Credit card debt accumulating, school tuition unpaid, family stress over money
 - **Abort criteria:** If Banatie costs exceed $500/month without revenue
 ---
 **3. No PMF Risk (Severity: HIGHEST)**
- **Factors:** Unvalidated ICP, new category (convergence play), complex product
+- Factors: Unvalidated ICP, complex product, new category
- **Current exposure:** Hypothesis not yet tested with external users
+- Current exposure: Hypothesis not yet tested externally
- **Monitor:** Interview feedback, churn rate, usage metrics, qualitative signals
+- Monitor: Interview feedback, usage metrics, qualitative signals
- **Mitigation:**
+- Mitigation: Brutal validation BEFORE building more, ultra-MVP launch
-  - Brutal ICP validation BEFORE building more (current sprint)
+- Red flags: No one willing to pay, high churn >10%, "cool but..." feedback
-  - Launch ultra-MVP (not full platform)
+- Abort: After 6 months, if <$500 MRR and no PMF signals
  - 10-15 customer interviews BEFORE launch
  - Set clear pivot triggers (see Phase 1 decision point)
 - **Red flags:** No one willing to pay, high churn (>10%), "cool idea, but..." feedback
 - **Abort criteria:** After 6 months, if <$500 MRR and no PMF signals → shut down
 ---
 **4. Employer Discovery Risk (Severity: MEDIUM)**
- **Factors:** Building side project while employed, same industry (web dev, AI)
+- Factors: Building side project while employed, same industry
- **Current exposure:** Public presence needed for marketing (Twitter, LinkedIn, dev.to)
+- Current exposure: Public presence needed for marketing
- **Monitor:** LinkedIn/social mentions, colleague conversations
+- Monitor: LinkedIn mentions, colleague conversations
- **Mitigation strategies:** (see `backlog/06-future-topics-backlog.md` - "свечение фейса")
+- Mitigation: Separate brand identity, delay LinkedIn, focus dev.to
-  - Use separate brand identity (Banatie, not personal)
+- Red flags: Employer asks about side projects
-  - Delay LinkedIn posting until closer to launch
+- Abort: If employer forbids, negotiate exit OR pause publicly
  - Focus on dev.to, Indie Hackers (less employer monitoring)
  - Check employment contract for IP clauses
 - **Red flags:** Employer asks about side projects, colleagues mention seeing Banatie
 - **Abort criteria:** If employer explicitly forbids, negotiate exit OR pause publicly
 ---
-## 📊 Key Metrics Dashboard
+## 📊 Research Insights Summary
-**Updated:** Weekly (every Sunday evening)
+### Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents) ⭐ VALIDATED
-### Validation Metrics (Active Sprint)
+**🟢 Strong Signals:**
-**Sprint started:** Oct 31, 2025
+- Massive user base (36K+ r/cursor members)
- Interviews completed: **0 / 10**
+- Stock photos pain (generic, overused)
- Positive responses ("I would use"): **- / -**
+- Willingness to pay ($20-200/mo for AI tools)
- Willing to pay $20+: **- / -**
+- Manual Midjourney workflow tedious
- Early access requests: **- / -**
+- Aspect ratio limitations
 - Image optimization time-consuming
 - Paid MCP business model works
-### Development Metrics (After GO decision)
+**ICP Match:** 70-80% confidence
- MVP features completed: **- / 8**
+- Founder IS the ICP (uses Claude Code)
- Beta users onboarded: **- / 10**
+- Technical fit = perfect (MCP + SDK)
- Generations completed: **- / 50**
+- Market size = huge
- Credit purchases: **- / 2**
+- Fast to revenue
-### Business Metrics (Post-launch)
+### Direction 1 (Agencies) - Secondary
- **MRR:** $0
+
- **Paying customers:** 0
+**🟢 Signals:**
- **Churn rate:** N/A
+- "Placeholder hell" validated
- **Conversion rate (Free → Paid):** N/A
+- Client approval blocked without realistic images
- **Usage per user (avg gens/month):** N/A
+
 **⚠️ Concerns:**
 - ICP mismatch (agencies ≠ validated audience)
 - Unclear if AI solves approval problem
 - Longer sales cycle (B2B)
 ### Direction 6 (E-commerce) - Parking Lot
 **🟢 Signals:**
 - Huge market ($50B product photography)
 - Clear use case (1 photo → 100 variations)
 **🔴 Problems:**
 - ICP mismatch (no-code preference)
 - Free tier competition (16K-31K images/month FREE)
 - Pivot required (3-6 months)
 ---
-## 🔮 Future Considerations (Not Currently Scheduled)
+## 🎯 Validated ICP Segments (A/B/C/D)
-### Features (Post-PMF, after 50+ users)
+**A) Studios/Agencies - Decision Maker**
- Flow-based chained generation (complex workflows)
+- CEO/Founder/Manager in 3-10 person team
- On-demand URL generation (programmatic HTML generation)
+- Higher ACV ($149/mo potential)
- Namespaces / project organization
+- Longer sales cycle
 - Team collaboration features (multi-user, agencies)
 - Advanced style presets / fine-tuning
-### Market Expansion (After PMF with AI developers)
+**B) Power Users - Tech Champion** ⭐ PRIMARY
- Agency tier ($149/mo for teams)
+- Tech leads using Cursor/Claude Code
- E-commerce vertical (product image generation, Shopify integration)
+- Already pay $20-200/mo for AI tools
- Enterprise tier (custom pricing, SLA, support)
+- Fast decision, can influence team adoption
-### Operations (After $10K MRR)
+**C) Freelancers - Solo Decision**
- Hire VA for customer support
+- Most price-sensitive
- Involve Ekaterina (wife) in admin/ops
+- Fast decision (no approval needed)
- Consider part-time dev help for non-core features
+- Credits > subscription preference
- Explore partnership opportunities (integrations, resellers)
+
 **D) AI-Savvy Freelancers - Power Solo** ⭐ SECONDARY
 - Active AI tool users (Cursor, ChatGPT)
 - High project volume
 - Time = money mindset
 **Technical Product:** SAME for all segments
 - Differences only in GTM (messaging, pricing emphasis, channels)
 ---
 ## 🔮 Future Milestones (After Validation)
 ### Post-Validation Phase (1-2 weeks after GO)
 **IF GO decision (60%+ willing to use, 40%+ pay):**
 - Finalize MVP scope based on validated needs
 - Begin MCP server development
 - Prepare beta access list
 **IF PIVOT decision (<60% interest OR weak willingness to pay):**
 - Select alternative segment
 - New interview script
 - Second validation round (1-2 weeks)
 **IF STOP decision (<40% interest, no one willing to pay):**
 - Document learnings
 - Thank interviewees
 - Reassess in 3-6 months
 ### MVP Development Phase (4-6 weeks after GO)
 **Weeks 1-2:** Core generation + MCP integration
 **Week 3:** MCP implementation  
 **Week 4:** Transformations + UI refinement
 **Week 5:** Payments + polish
 **Week 6:** Beta testing + iteration
 ### Launch & Growth (Months 3-6 after validation)
 **Month 3:** First paying customers
 - Goal: 5-10 beta users, 50+ generations, 2+ purchases
 - Target: $200-500 MRR
 **Month 4:** Soft launch to communities
 - r/ClaudeAI, Indie Hackers, dev.to
 - Target: $500-1,000 MRR
 **Month 5:** Growth optimization
 - SEO content, community building, case studies
 - Target: $1-2K MRR (Side Project Validation)
 ---
 ## 🎯 Long-term Goals (Relative Milestones)
 ### Month 6: Side Project Validation
 - MRR: $1-2K
 - Customers: 10-20 paying
 - Churn: <5% monthly
 - Decision: Continue scaling OR reassess
 ### Month 9: Hybrid Mode Decision
 - MRR: $3-5K
 - Customers: 30-50 paying
 - Options: 4-day work week OR stay full-time
 ### Month 12: Full-time Leap Evaluation
 - MRR: $6K+ (salary replacement)
 - OR: 12-month runway saved
 - Decision: Go full-time OR continue hybrid
 ### 24-36 months: Sustainable Business
 - MRR: $15-30K
 - Hire 1-2 people
 - Consider Ekaterina full-time on admin
 ---
 ## 📋 Action Items Summary
-**Active Sprint (ICP Validation - Started Oct 31):**
+**Active (This Week - Nov 2-3):**
-1. Create throwaway Reddit account
+1. Create 4 interview scripts (A/B/C/D segments)
-2. Post validation questions in r/ClaudeAI and r/ChatGPTCoding
+2. Build outreach target lists (Discord, Twitter, LinkedIn, Upwork)
-3. Conduct 10 text-based interviews
+3. Prepare validation scorecard
-4. Document results in validation scorecard
+4. Plan 7-day interview sprint schedule
 5. Make GO/PIVOT/STOP decision
-**After Validation - IF GO:**
+**Next Week (Nov 4-10):**
-1. Finalize MVP scope based on interview insights
+1. Conduct 10-14 interviews across segments
-2. Set up development environment (if not already done)
+2. Document results in validation scorecard
-3. Begin MCP server implementation
+3. Make GO/PIVOT/STOP decision
-4. Prepare beta access list
+4. Plan next phase based on outcome
 **After Validation - IF PIVOT:**
 1. Select alternative ICP
 2. Prepare new interview script
 3. Begin second validation round (est. 1-2 weeks)
 ---
 ## 🎯 Success Definitions by Stage
 ### Pre-launch Success (Current)
- ✅ ICP validated externally (60%+ interest, 40%+ willing to pay)
+- ✅ ICP validated externally (60%+ interest, 40%+ pay)
- ✅ MVP scope locked (based on validated needs)
+- ✅ MVP scope locked (validated needs)
- ✅ First 5 beta users identified from research
+- ✅ First 5 beta users identified
 ### Launch Success (Month 3-4)
- ✅ 5-10 beta users actively using product
+- ✅ 5-10 beta users active
 - ✅ 50+ generations completed
- ✅ 2+ credit purchases (willingness to pay confirmed)
+- ✅ 2+ credit purchases
- ✅ No critical bugs blocking workflow
+- ✅ No critical bugs
-### Early Traction Success (Month 6)
+### Early Traction (Month 6)
 - ✅ $1-2K MRR
- ✅ <5% monthly churn
+- ✅ <5% churn
- ✅ Product-market fit signals ("can't live without")
+- ✅ PMF signals ("can't live without")
- ✅ Organic growth starting (word-of-mouth, referrals)
+- ✅ Organic growth starting
-### Sustainability Success (Month 12)
+### Sustainability (Month 12)
- ✅ $6K+ MRR (salary replacement level)
+- ✅ $6K+ MRR (salary replacement)
- ✅ Predictable growth trajectory
+- ✅ Predictable growth
- ✅ Hybrid or full-time transition viable
+- ✅ Full-time transition viable
- ✅ Clear path to $10-15K MRR
+- ✅ Path to $10-15K MRR clear
 ---
-**Roadmap Owner:** @men + Oleg (joint ownership)
+**Roadmap Owner:** @men + Oleg  
-**Last Updated:** October 31, 2025
+**Last Updated:** November 2, 2025  
-**Next Review:** Upon completion of ICP validation
+**Next Review:** After ICP validation complete (Nov 10, 2025)  
-**Version Control:** Track major changes via Git commits
+**Version:** 3.0 (Research phase 1 completed, interview prep active)
 ---
 **Quick Reference Commands:**
 - Update metrics: Every Sunday evening
 - Review roadmap: After each decision gate
 - Update action items: As completed or priorities change
 - Archive completed sprints: When moving to next phase
 - Mark tasks complete: Record actual completion dates for velocity tracking