diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md index 325014a..fd5095c 100644 --- a/CLAUDE.md +++ b/CLAUDE.md @@ -34,11 +34,12 @@ banatie-strategy/ │ └── [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 +│ ├── INDEX.md # Research overview and navigation +│ ├── banatie-research-directions-tracker.md # Main research directions (0-10) +│ ├── banatie-research-directions-tracker-extension1.md # Extended directions (11-12) +│ ├── passive-research-methodology.md # Research methodology guide +│ ├── direction-N-strong-signals.md # Research findings for direction N +│ └── analysis-*.md # Strategic analysis and synthesis │ ├── discussions/ # Strategic session history │ └── YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md @@ -49,12 +50,16 @@ banatie-strategy/ ### File Naming Rules -**Research folder (FLAT structure with prefixes):** -- `direction-N-name.md` - Research directions (N = reference number) -- `signals-name.md` - Strong signals and findings -- `analysis-name.md` - Strategic analysis and synthesis -- `methodology-name.md` - Research methodologies (if needed) -- `INDEX.md` - Overview and methodology +**Research folder (FLAT structure with descriptive names):** +- `INDEX.md` - Research overview and navigation (links to all research docs) +- `banatie-research-directions-tracker*.md` - Research direction trackers and planning + - Main tracker: Directions 0-10 with hypothesis, questions, scoring + - Extensions: Additional directions (11-12, etc.) +- `passive-research-methodology.md` - Complete research methodology guide +- `direction-N-strong-signals.md` - Research findings for direction N (where N = direction number) + - Example: `direction-2-strong-signals.md`, `direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md` +- `analysis-*.md` - Strategic analysis and synthesis across directions + - Example: `analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md` **Main documentation (numbered):** - Sequential numbering across strategy/ and execution/ (01, 02, 03... 99) diff --git a/INDEX.md b/INDEX.md index b60750f..1143731 100644 --- a/INDEX.md +++ b/INDEX.md @@ -143,39 +143,29 @@ Key: Platform mostly production-ready, gaps identified ## 🔬 Research Documents -**See:** [research/method-passive-research.md](research/method-passive-research.md) for detailed methodology +**📂 Complete Research Documentation:** [research/INDEX.md](research/INDEX.md) -### Research Structure (Flat with Prefixes) +### Research Status Summary -**Methodology:** -- [method-passive-research.md](research/method-passive-research.md) - Complete research guide +**Phase 1 Completed (Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2025):** +- ✅ 3 directions researched with strong signals (Directions 1, 2, 6) +- ✅ 10 research directions mapped (Directions 0-10) +- ✅ 2 extensions scoped (Directions 11-12: E-commerce, NoCode) +- ✅ Reusable methodology documented +- ✅ ICP refined to A/B/C/D segments -**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** ⭐ +**Primary Finding:** Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents) = ⭐ 70-80% confidence +- [direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md](research/direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md) - Complete research - 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 +- **A:** Studios/Agencies (CEO decision, higher ACV) - Direction 1 focus +- **B:** Power Users (Tech leads with Cursor/Claude Code) - ⭐ PRIMARY +- **C:** Freelancers (Solo decision, price-sensitive) - Cross-direction +- **D:** AI-savvy Freelancers (High volume, time=money) - ⭐ SECONDARY --- diff --git a/ROADMAP.md b/ROADMAP.md index f56af49..b223979 100644 --- a/ROADMAP.md +++ b/ROADMAP.md @@ -35,17 +35,25 @@ ## ✅ Completed: Passive Research Phase 1 (Oct 31 - Nov 2) -- [x] Direction 1 research (Agencies + Placeholder Hell) - Strong signals -- [x] Direction 2 research (AI Coding Agents) - ⭐ STRONGEST validation -- [x] Direction 6 research (Gemini/E-commerce) - Parking lot (ICP mismatch) +- [x] Direction 0 research (Initial Exploration) - Completed Oct 31, 2025 +- [x] Direction 1 research (Agencies + Placeholder Hell) - Strong signals found +- [x] Direction 2 research (AI Coding Agents) - ⭐ STRONGEST validation (70-80% confidence) +- [x] Direction 6 research (Gemini/E-commerce) - Parking lot (ICP mismatch with no-code preference) +- [x] Directions 11-12 scoped (E-commerce deep-dive, NoCode builders) - Future exploration if needed +- [x] Research methodology documented ([passive-research-methodology.md](research/passive-research-methodology.md)) - Reusable framework +- [x] Research direction trackers created (10 directions mapped, 2 extensions planned) +- [x] Research navigation hub created ([research/INDEX.md](research/INDEX.md)) - [x] A/B/C/D segmentation framework created -- [x] Research documentation restructured (flat + prefixes) +- [x] Research documentation restructured (flat + descriptive names) **Key Outcomes:** -- Direction 2 = 70-80% confidence (AI coding agents) -- ICP refined to 4 segments: A/B/C/D +- Direction 2 = 70-80% confidence (AI coding agents using Cursor/Claude Code) +- ICP refined to 4 segments: A (Studios), B (Power Users) ⭐, C (Freelancers), D (AI-savvy Freelancers) ⭐ - Technical product = same for all segments -- GTM differs by segment (messaging, pricing, channels) +- GTM differs by segment (messaging, pricing emphasis, outreach channels) +- 10 research directions mapped (0-10), 2 extensions scoped (11-12) +- Reusable research methodology established for future validation sprints +- Complete research documentation system created --- diff --git a/research/INDEX.md b/research/INDEX.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1087095 --- /dev/null +++ b/research/INDEX.md @@ -0,0 +1,257 @@ +# Research Documentation Index + +**Last Updated:** November 2, 2025 +**Purpose:** Navigation hub for all Banatie research materials +**Status:** 📝 Living document + +--- + +## 📋 Overview + +This folder contains all passive research conducted to validate ICP hypotheses for Banatie.app. The research follows a structured methodology of exploring multiple directions, documenting findings with verifiable sources, and synthesizing insights into actionable strategic decisions. + +**Research Structure:** Flat folder with descriptive filenames (no nested folders) +**Output Format:** Markdown files with strong signals, evidence links, and strategic analysis +**Current Phase:** Phase 1 completed (Directions 0, 1, 2, 6) → Interview preparation active + +--- + +## 🛠️ Methodology + +**[passive-research-methodology.md](passive-research-methodology.md)** - Complete research guide (battle-tested) + +**Purpose:** Reusable framework for conducting passive research before customer interviews +**Key Principles:** +- Observe real pain (Reddit/forums) before asking filtered questions +- Multiple search variations per topic (3-5) to avoid false negatives +- Document findings continuously with verifiable links +- Collaborative decision-making (Oleg + @men) + +**When to use:** Before any new ICP validation or market exploration + +--- + +## 📊 Research Direction Trackers + +### [banatie-research-directions-tracker.md](banatie-research-directions-tracker.md) +**Main research planning document - Directions 0-10** + +**Structure:** Each direction includes: +- Hypothesis to validate +- Key questions to answer +- Specific search topics (5-7 per direction) +- Findings section (filled during research) + +**Directions Mapped:** +- ✅ Direction 0: Initial Exploration (COMPLETED) +- 📋 Direction 1: Prompt URLs + No-Code Generation +- ✅ Direction 2: AI Agent Ecosystem (COMPLETED - ⭐ STRONGEST) +- ⏳ Direction 3: Marketing Agencies Pain +- ⏳ Direction 4: E-commerce Product Variations +- ⏳ Direction 5: Technical Writers + Documentation +- ✅ Direction 6: Gemini 2.5 Flash Specific Demand (COMPLETED) +- ⏳ Direction 7: Indie Hackers + Side Projects +- ⏳ Direction 8: No-Code Builders (Webflow, Framer) +- ⏳ Direction 9: Content Creators + YouTubers +- ⏳ Direction 10: SaaS Founders (Marketing Pages) + +### [banatie-research-directions-tracker-extension1.md](banatie-research-directions-tracker-extension1.md) +**Extended research directions - Directions 11-12** + +**Deep-dive directions discovered from Direction 6 findings:** +- ⏳ Direction 11: E-commerce Product Photography (n8n workflows, $50B market) +- ⏳ Direction 12: NoCode Automation Builders (n8n, Make, Zapier users) + +**Status:** Parking lot (ICP mismatch with no-code preference, long sales cycle) + +--- + +## 🔬 Completed Research (Strong Signals) + +### [direction-1-strong-signals.md](direction-1-strong-signals.md) +**Research:** Agencies + Placeholder Hell +**Status:** ✅ COMPLETED - Strong signals found +**Confidence:** Medium (60-70%) + +**Key Findings:** +- "Placeholder hell" validated (projects stall waiting for client content) +- Client approval blocked without realistic demo images +- Agencies struggle with generic stock photos for pitches +- Pain is real but ICP mismatch (agencies ≠ validated AI developer audience) + +**Strategic Decision:** Secondary market, revisit if primary ICP fails + +--- + +### [direction-2-strong-signals.md](direction-2-strong-signals.md) +**Research:** AI Coding Agents (Early Phase) +**Status:** ⚠️ PARTIAL - Superseded by part2 + +**Note:** This file contains initial findings. For complete research, see direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md below. + +--- + +### [direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md](direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md) ⭐ PRIMARY +**Research:** AI Coding Agents + Image Generation (COMPLETE) +**Status:** ✅ STRONGEST VALIDATION +**Confidence:** Very High (70-80%) + +**Key Findings:** +1. ✅ Massive user base (36K+ r/cursor members building real projects) +2. ✅ Stock photos pain validated (generic, overused, unprofessional) +3. ✅ Willingness to pay confirmed ($20-200/mo for AI tools) +4. ✅ Manual Midjourney workflow = tedious +5. ✅ Aspect ratio limitations = real pain +6. ✅ Image optimization = time-consuming +7. ✅ Paid MCP business model validated ($5-20/mo for point tools) + +**ICP Match:** 70-80% confidence +- Founder IS the ICP (uses Claude Code daily) +- Technical fit = perfect (MCP + SDK) +- Market size = huge +- Fast path to revenue + +**Strategic Decision:** ✅ PRIMARY ICP - Proceed to customer interviews + +--- + +### [direction-6-strong-signals.md](direction-6-strong-signals.md) +**Research:** Gemini 2.5 Flash Specific Demand + E-commerce/NoCode +**Status:** ✅ COMPLETED - Mixed signals +**Confidence:** Low for ICP match (30-40%) + +**Key Findings:** +- ✅ Huge market ($50B product photography) +- ✅ Clear use case (1 photo → 100 variations) +- ✅ n8n + Nano Banana workflows actively used in production +- ⚠️ Free tier preference (16K-31K images/month FREE) +- ⚠️ No-code preference (not our validated technical ICP) +- ⚠️ Long sales cycle for e-commerce (B2B) + +**Strategic Decision:** Parking lot - Directions 11-12 created for future exploration if needed + +--- + +## 🎯 Strategic Analysis + +### Key Insights Across All Research + +**Market Validation:** +- Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents) = ⭐ 70-80% confidence, strongest signals +- Direction 1 (Agencies) = 60-70% confidence, ICP mismatch concern +- Direction 6 (E-commerce/NoCode) = 30-40% confidence, pivot required + +**ICP Segmentation (from Direction 2):** +- **Segment A:** Studios/Agencies (3-10 people, CEO decision, higher ACV) +- **Segment B:** Power Users ⭐ PRIMARY (Tech leads with Cursor/Claude Code) +- **Segment C:** Freelancers (Solo, price-sensitive, fast decision) +- **Segment D:** AI-savvy Freelancers ⭐ SECONDARY (High volume, time=money) + +**Technical Product:** SAME for all segments +**GTM Strategy:** DIFFERS by segment (messaging, pricing emphasis, channels) + +**Confidence Ranking:** +1. 🥇 Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents) - 70-80% - GO for interviews +2. 🥈 Direction 1 (Agencies) - 60-70% - Secondary exploration +3. 🥉 Direction 6 (E-commerce) - 30-40% - Parking lot + +--- + +## 📈 Research Outcomes & Next Steps + +**Phase 1 Completed (Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2025):** +- ✅ 3 directions researched with strong signals +- ✅ 10 directions mapped, 2 extensions scoped +- ✅ Reusable methodology documented +- ✅ ICP refined to A/B/C/D segments +- ✅ Primary market validated (AI Coding Agents) + +**Next Phase: External Validation (Nov 4-10, 2025):** +- 10-14 customer interviews across A/B/C/D segments +- Validate willingness to pay ($20-50/mo) +- Identify KILLER USE CASE (60%+ mention same pain) +- Decision Gate 1: GO / PIVOT / STOP + +**Success Criteria for GO:** +- 60%+ 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) +- ONE specific pain mentioned by 60%+ + +--- + +## 🔄 Research Workflow (Quick Reference) + +**For new research sessions:** + +1. **Load Context:** + - Read: ROADMAP.md, INDEX.md, 12-the-current-tech-state.md + - Read: Research trackers (main + extensions) + - Review: Completed research files + +2. **Plan Searches:** + - Choose direction from tracker + - Propose 5-7 specific search queries + - Discuss → Adjust → Execute + +3. **Execute Iteratively:** + - Run search → Scan → Share findings immediately + - Multiple variations per topic (3-5) + - Adjust strategy based on results + +4. **Document Continuously:** + - Create `direction-N-strong-signals.md` + - Format: 🟢 STRONG / 🟡 MEDIUM / 🔴 WEAK signals + - Include: URL, exact quote, context, interpretation + +5. **Decide & Wrap:** + - Summarize findings after 5-7 searches + - Decide: Keep searching / Move on / Pivot + - Update tracker with findings + +--- + +## 📝 File Inventory + +**Total Files:** 7 (excluding this INDEX.md) + +**Planning Documents (2):** +- banatie-research-directions-tracker.md (Directions 0-10) +- banatie-research-directions-tracker-extension1.md (Directions 11-12) + +**Methodology (1):** +- passive-research-methodology.md (Reusable framework) + +**Completed Research (4):** +- direction-1-strong-signals.md (Agencies + Placeholder Hell) +- direction-2-strong-signals.md (AI Agents - Partial) +- direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md (AI Agents - Complete) ⭐ +- direction-6-strong-signals.md (Gemini/E-commerce/NoCode) + +**Future Research:** +- Directions 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 mapped but not yet researched +- Directions 11, 12 scoped for future exploration if needed + +--- + +## 🔗 Related Documentation + +**For strategic context:** +- [Main INDEX.md](../INDEX.md) - Complete project documentation map +- [ROADMAP.md](../ROADMAP.md) - Current priorities and active sprint +- [FRAMEWORK.md](../FRAMEWORK.md) - Discussion and documentation best practices + +**For ICP decisions:** +- [07-validated-icp-ai-developers.md](../strategy/07-validated-icp-ai-developers.md) - Primary ICP hypothesis +- [02-reality-check.md](../strategy/02-reality-check.md) - Founder constraints + +**For execution:** +- [08-validation-plan.md](../execution/08-validation-plan.md) - Interview sprint plan +- [03-icp-research-questions.md](../execution/03-icp-research-questions.md) - Interview script + +--- + +**Document Owner:** @men + Oleg +**Version:** 1.0 +**Next Review:** After external validation complete (Nov 10, 2025) +**Maintenance:** Update when new research completed or insights synthesized