Welcome to this episode of Build-Ish, where we will be discussing Problems and Opportunities in Product. Joining us today are our thought leaders and co-hosts, Connor and Cameo. In this episode, we will explore the age-old debate of whether the user or the problem should come first when developing a product. We will delve into how this decision impacts the way you validate during the innovation process.

To set the stage, we'll begin by defining the difference between a pain and a problem. Pain is an emotion, whereas a problem is an action. For instance, consistently being late to work is a problem that can jeopardize your reputation with colleagues. Once you've identified whether you're trying to fix a problem or alleviate a pain, it's essential to understand how to identify opportunities within that problem space.

Our conversation will then shift to empathy and its role in the product development process. We will discuss how empathy research and human-centered design principles can be leveraged to help direct your product development.

The final question that we will tackle is, how do you identify an opportunity worth tackling? We'll explore the key factors to consider when making this decision, such as market demand, feasibility, and potential for growth.

So, whether you're a seasoned product developer or just starting, this episode is packed with insights and perspectives that will help you navigate the world of product development with greater clarity and confidence.