Starting out

What should I build first?

The short answer

Build the smallest version that solves the core problem for your customer, and nothing more. Extra features, polish and options can all wait until you know real people want the basic thing.

1 min read · Updated 5 September 2026 · By The AI Studio

Resist building everything at once

It's tempting to plan out every feature before you start. In practice, this usually delays the moment you find out whether your idea actually works. Build the smallest thing that solves the main problem, then improve it based on how real people use it.

A simple test for what to include

For every feature you're considering, ask: does this stop my product from solving the core problem if it's missing? If the answer is no, it can wait.

  • The one thing your product must do, well
  • The simplest way for someone to sign up or get started
  • A way for you to see what people are actually doing with it
  • Everything else: later

It's normal for the first version to feel small

A first version that feels almost too simple is usually a good sign. It means you'll launch sooner, learn faster, and avoid spending weeks building things nobody asked for.

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