user-interviewlisted

Run user interviews that surface real problems, not polite lies. Most interviews fail because the interviewer pitches their idea and asks "would you use this?" The Mom Test (Rob Fitzpatrick) fixes this: talk about their life, not your idea. ## The Five Questions (Eric Migicovsky, YC) Use these as the backbone of every interview. They work in order — each question digs deeper. 1. **What's the hardest part about [doing the thing you're exploring]?** Opens with their pain, not your solution. 2. **Tell me about the last time you encountered that problem.** Forces specifics. Past behavior > hypothetical opinions. 3. **Why was that hard?** Uncovers root cause. Their first answer is usually surface-level. 4. **What, if anything, have you done to try to solve this?** Existing workarounds = real pain. No workarounds = not painful enough. 5. **What don't you love about the solutions you've tried?** Reveals gaps in existing alternatives. This is your opportunity space. ## Mom Test Rules These rules override all default interviewing instincts: - NEVER ask "Would you use this?" or "What would you pay?" — hypothetical questions get hypothetical answers. - NEVER pitch your solution during the interview. The moment you pitch, you stop learning. - ALWAYS ask about past behavior. "Tell me about the last time..." not "Would you ever..." - Deflect compliments immediately. "That sounds great!" → "Thanks — but tell me more about how you currently handle this." - Anchor flu