The First Step for Programmers to Create a New Market: Understanding Existing Needs and Identifying the Next Big Wave
The first thing to keep in mind when we talk about “creating a new market” is the basic perspective required. Many people imagine that this requires “innovative ideas” or “introducing technologies that no one has thought of before.” But in reality, before reaching that stage, it’s extremely important to deeply explore “understanding existing needs and how they can be improved.”
Finding Unmet Needs in Existing Markets
For example, examine current apps or services and identify minor frustrations: usability issues, missing features, frequent bugs, or high prices. These annoyances might be something users “tolerate while using” the product, but behind them lie hidden needs or unmet desires.
Reading Potential Needs
Many users are not fully aware of what inconveniences them. That’s why listening to the “voice of the user” is crucial. Collect potential complaints and desires from various sources such as review comments, surveys, social media posts, forums, and customer support inquiries.
Concrete Step Examples:
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List problems with existing services or products.
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Analyze user feedback and reviews to identify the improvements truly needed.
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Brainstorm ideas to fill those gaps.
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Identify needs that could become the next big trend.
At this stage, the key is discovering “needs that ordinary people haven’t noticed.” These overlooked needs can sometimes be the key to the next major hit.
The Next Move! Using User Feedback to Develop Innovative Products and Practical Techniques to Lead the Market
Next, let’s answer the question: “How can we actually turn those needs into reality?” Here, we’ll discuss innovative product development based on user feedback and practical techniques to lead the market.
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Continuously Collect and Analyze User Feedback
User feedback should not be collected just once—it must be ongoing. Useful tools include:
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Survey forms
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Feedback and review collection tools
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Monitoring social media and forums
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Analyzing customer support inquiries
By continuously tracking potential user needs and frustrations, you can prioritize and develop effective improvement strategies.
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Iterative Improvement Through Agile Development
Instead of aiming for a single big breakthrough, use agile development to make small, continuous improvements. Quickly form hypotheses based on user feedback, implement, and test repeatedly to create a product that closely matches user needs. -
Early Release of an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Don’t aim for perfection—adopt a “let’s try this first” mindset. Release an MVP with only the essential features and gather direct feedback from real users to guide the next steps. -
Personalization and Enhanced User Experience
User needs vary widely. By making your product personalized and creating experiences tailored to individual preferences, you can differentiate yourself from competitors. -
Data-Driven Market Forecasting
Analyze access data and usage statistics to identify signs of “the next growing market” or “unexplored needs,” and proactively develop new products or services.
Conclusion
Programmers don’t need to rely solely on extraordinary ideas or advanced technology to create a new market. The best approach is to focus on overlooked needs and gaps in existing markets and explore them in depth. By valuing user feedback and gradually iterating improvements and innovations, it’s entirely possible to become a creator of a new market or a market leader.
