Know what to ask
your first customer.

Ask about a real occasion, let the person explain it, and follow what they actually did. If they say your idea is great, ask for an example of the problem in their life. Don’t fill a gap with a guess or turn one answer into a verdict on your business.

These are curated question guides for three founder situations, with your optional context carried into the opening and copied guide. No AI model interprets the notes or validates demand. Keep observations separate from your own conclusions; do not record a conversation without permission.

This approach draws on listening and focused observation described in Y Combinator’s user observation guide. The question sets and interface here are One Question’s own.