Before you launch your app into the world, there's something you have to do. You need to know if people even want or need what you’ve built. It’s tempting to believe the work is over once you code the last feature. But as countless teams (and solo founders) have learned the hard way, that’s rarely true. An idea might sound wonderful on paper, but it has to survive real world testing.
That’s where product validation comes in. At DeMeloApps, we’ve helped startups, businesses, and educators in Vancouver and beyond turn their digital ideas into concrete solutions. But even the brightest concept gets its true test long before launch day. Product validation is not just a checkbox—it steers your project away from the unknown.
Test before you leap.
So how do you actually validate a new app? Here are eight steps, sometimes done in order and sometimes side by side, that bring you closer to real answers. Take your time, hesitate if you must. But do the steps—your future users and your own efforts depend on it.
Start with user needs
Begin at the beginning. Who is this app for? Why do they need it? Sometimes, even the people closest to a problem can’t explain what they want. So, spend time talking to actual would-be users. Better yet, watch them as they work or live. Look for bottlenecks, complaints, scribbled Post-its. The best products don’t always start with technology—they start with frustration, boredom, or inefficiency in daily life.
- Set up casual interviews or chats.
- Ask, “What’s the hardest part of your day?” or “What digital tools do you already use?”
- Listen for what’s unsaid—hesitations or passing remarks often matter most.
You might be surprised how many times this step leads to a shift in your thinking or even a different product direction.
Define the value proposition
Once you have a real problem in mind, you need to state your solution. But keep it painfully simple. Write a single sentence: “Who needs this, and why do they care?” If it takes more than one try, that’s fine. Just watch out for features masquerading as solutions.
- Check if your idea has real value—save time, save money, reduce stress, enable something new.
- Run your sentence by 3 to 5 people in your target audience. Their first impression matters.
If people pause, squint, or start to look a little confused, revisit your statement.
Do market research
Now is the time to see if that value proposition stands up. You don’t need to know everything, just enough to spot risks. Research might sound scary, but much of it can be done in a single afternoon. Check online forums, review social media chatter, look at app store feedback, or use survey tools. What are people already using? Where are they dissatisfied?
- Note down existing workarounds people use. People are resourceful—they always find some way to solve their issues.
- Flag recurring complaints.
- If you can, estimate how many people deal with this issue. Numbers don’t have to be exact—just grounded.
The team at DeMeloApps often works closely with founders at this stage, mapping out what’s already out there and using that to spot opportunities or red flags.
Create prototypes and wireframes
People struggle to give honest feedback about ideas alone. But show them a prototype—maybe even a scribble on paper or a clickable wireframe—and things change. Suddenly, everyone has an opinion. That’s what you want. The goal isn’t to show off your technical skills but to create something people can react to.
- Build a wireframe of your main workflow.
- Use clickable prototypes (there are many free tools, but paper often works just fine.)
- Keep it simple; avoid the trap of adding visuals at this stage.
At DeMeloApps, our design-first approach often means several iterations between sketches and feedback, making sure no work is wasted on parts users won’t need.
Run usability tests
Now comes the moment that can feel both exciting and awkward: Watching people actually use your app. Sit with a small group—ideally five to ten—and ask them to solve a problem with your prototype. Don’t explain everything; resist the urge to guide them. True learning comes from silence and honest stumbles.
Every hesitation your user shows is a window into a design problem.
- Give testers a simple goal.
- Observe without interrupting.
- Record feedback and trouble spots.
It’s common for people to struggle where you least expect it. Often, what felt “obvious” to you is anything but.
Build a minimum viable product (MVP)
If your prototype finds traction, move to an MVP. This is a real but trimmed-down version of your app. It must do just enough to solve the core problem and nothing more. Resist the temptation to add extras. Find the heart of your idea, and build that first. This way, you save money and time—and avoid losing focus.
- Pick the top one or two features. Not five, not ten.
- Set a tight timeline—think weeks, not months, if possible.
- Plan to test with real users, just as you did with the prototype.
Our clients often find that the simplest MVPs at DeMeloApps make the newest users happiest. Unnecessary complexity just gets in the way.
Collect feedback and iterate
After sharing your MVP, listen again. Don’t seek praise. Instead, hope for frustration, confusion, or requests you hadn’t planned for. That’s where the gold lies. Adapt in small cycles:
- Release, observe, and collect feedback.
- Fix or adjust a single thing at a time if possible.
- Let users know you’re listening and acting fast.
This cycle isn’t glamorous, but it’s where good products become great. Small hiccups early on save mountains of stress later.
Measure, assess, and decide
Now, pause to ask: Did your app’s main value come through? Quantitative metrics help—think number of users, how often they use the app, or repeat sessions. But also listen to the stories and context around the numbers. Sometimes, only a few users seem hooked. Sometimes, many are polite but not passionate. Both tell you if the app is ready, needs revisions, or should pause.
- Check: Did users solve the main problem?
- Would they pay, recommend, or use it again?
- If results are mixed, re-examine assumptions or audience.
The best time to change your app is before launch, not after.
At DeMeloApps, we often help clients weigh these results, share honest thoughts, and even ask the tough question: Should we launch, tweak, or rethink completely?
Final thoughts: validation is a process, not just a step
Product validation might stretch you, irritate your ego, or slow your roll. But that’s all for the better. Testing is where your vision meets reality. It’s both humbling and energizing. Each step, from user interviews to MVP launch, adds evidence you can rely on—not just hope.
If you want a partner on this journey, or if you just want a second pair of eyes, DeMeloApps is here. We believe that good apps start and finish by listening. Ready to take the step from idea to tested app? Reach out, let’s talk, and see what your project can become.
Frequently asked questions
What is product validation for apps?
Product validation for apps is the process of checking if real users need and want your app before you officially launch it. It uses steps like interviews, prototypes, and small releases to see if your idea solves a real problem. The goal is to avoid building something that no one will use.
How to test my app before launch?
To test your app before launch, talk to users about their needs, build quick prototypes, share with a group for feedback, and release an early version (MVP). Collect reactions, watch how people use it, and make changes based on what you see. Don’t wait until the full launch to find out what’s broken.
Why is product validation important?
Product validation is important because it saves you time, effort, and costs. It lets you discover flaws and missing features before it’s too late. By testing early and often, you reduce the risk of building something no one wants, and increase the chances your app will succeed in the market.
What are the steps for app validation?
The main steps are: identify user needs, define your app’s value, research your market, create a prototype, test with users, build a minimum version, gather feedback, and measure results. Adjust your product after every step. Every app and market may have some differences, but these are the basics.
Is it worth it to validate my app?
Yes, it’s almost always worth validating your app. Skipping validation can mean wasting time or money on features people don’t want. Early feedback might hurt your pride, but it helps your product. Even if you discover tough-to-hear results, that’s better before a big launch than after.
