Evaluation rubric
- Problem and ICP clarityWho is the product for, what job does it solve, and why does that pain matter? "Users" or "SMBs" isn't enough; it has to be a concrete segment.weight
- Activation and time to valueHow long until a new user gets their first useful win? Does onboarding accelerate or obstruct that moment?weight
- Critical flow usabilityCan the user complete the main task quickly and without errors? Task success, time, confusion. If they can't complete the task, everything else matters less.weight
- Retention and behavior changeIs there repeated behavior and a sticky feature? Do retained users match the declared ICP? The target isn't aggregate activity, it's retained cohorts in the right segment.weight
- Market size and timingIs it a large market with a real entry point? Is there willingness to pay and favorable dynamics now?weight