---
name: idea-validator
description: "Validate and score income ideas against structured criteria (two-layer system). Use when the user needs to: (1) Score an idea against Layer 1 feasibility (5 criteria: target market, simple version, time/energy fit, legal safety, exit ease) and Layer 2 differentiation (3 criteria: market saturation, defensibility/moat, AI disruption risk), (2) Compare multiple ideas side-by-side using a weighted comparison matrix with 8 total criteria, (3) Generate MVP checklist for the first 7-14 days of validation, (4) Estimate realistic time and energy cost for an idea. Designed for Indonesian context — UMKM, freelance, side income, sandwich generation. Works with idea-generator agent for structured idea evaluation."
---

# Idea Validator

Structured evaluation and validation tools for income ideas. Two-layer scoring system: Layer 1 (feasibility gate) + Layer 2 (differentiation assessment). Compares alternatives and generates actionable MVP validation plans.

## Quick Start

When user needs idea validation, follow this decision tree:

1. **Single idea to evaluate?** -> Use Two-Layer Scoring (Layer 1 + Layer 2)
2. **Multiple ideas to compare?** -> Use Comparison Matrix (8 criteria)
3. **Idea approved, what's next?** -> Use MVP Checklist Generator
4. **How much time/energy?** -> Use Energy-Time Estimator

**Always load** `references/validation_criteria.md` for complete scoring rubric and criteria details.

---

## Validation Tools

### 1. Two-Layer Scoring
**Best for:** Evaluating whether a single idea is both feasible AND differentiated

**When to use:**
- User has a specific idea they want to validate
- Before presenting any idea to the user
- When user asks "is this idea worth pursuing?"

**Process:**
1. Load `references/validation_criteria.md` for scoring rubric
2. **Layer 1 (Feasibility Gate):** Score the idea 1-5 on each of the 5 feasibility criteria
3. Apply pass/fail rule: fails 2+ criteria (score < 3) → REJECT. Do not proceed to Layer 2.
4. **Layer 2 (Differentiation):** Score the idea 1-5 on 3 differentiation criteria
5. Combine both layers for comprehensive assessment

**Output format:**
```
## Validasi Ide: [Nama Ide]

### Layer 1: Feasibility Gate
| Kriteria                | Skor (1-5) | Catatan           |
|------------------------|------------|-------------------|
| Target market jelas     | X          | [penjelasan]      |
| Versi sederhana         | X          | [penjelasan]      |
| Sesuai waktu & energi   | X          | [penjelasan]      |
| Aman hukum & kontrak    | X          | [penjelasan]      |
| Bisa dihentikan         | X          | [penjelasan]      |
| **Subtotal**           | **XX/25**  |                   |

Feasibility: PASS / REJECT

### Layer 2: Differentiation Assessment
| Kriteria                | Skor (1-5) | Catatan           |
|------------------------|------------|-------------------|
| Market saturation       | X          | [penjelasan]      |
| Defensibility / moat    | X          | [penjelasan]      |
| AI disruption risk      | X          | [penjelasan]      |
| **Subtotal**           | **XX/15**  |                   |

Differentiation: STRONG / ACCEPTABLE / AT RISK

### Combined Verdict
Feasibility: XX/25 | Differentiation: XX/15
Verdict: GO / CONDITIONAL GO / REVISI / REJECT
```

**Layer 1 scoring brackets:**
- 21-25: Strong feasibility — proceed with confidence
- 16-20: Conditional feasibility — proceed with noted adjustments
- 11-15: Weak feasibility — needs significant changes
- 5-10: Not feasible — does not fit current context

**Layer 2 scoring brackets:**
- 12-15: Strong differentiation — prioritize this idea
- 8-11: Acceptable differentiation — proceed but note defensibility angle
- <8: At risk of commoditization — needs niche angle or deprioritize

---

### 2. Comparison Matrix
**Best for:** Comparing 2-4 ideas side-by-side

**When to use:**
- User is choosing between multiple ideas
- After generating ideas, to show relative strengths
- When user asks "which one should I start with?"

**Process:**
1. Score each idea on all 8 criteria (5 feasibility + 3 differentiation)
2. Add contextual factors: startup cost, time to first income, cross-domain angle
3. Rank by combined score (feasibility + differentiation) and context fit

**Output format:**
```
## Perbandingan Ide

### Layer 1: Feasibility
| Kriteria              | Ide A  | Ide B  | Ide C  |
|----------------------|--------|--------|--------|
| Target market         | X/5    | X/5    | X/5    |
| Versi sederhana       | X/5    | X/5    | X/5    |
| Waktu & energi        | X/5    | X/5    | X/5    |
| Aman hukum            | X/5    | X/5    | X/5    |
| Bisa dihentikan       | X/5    | X/5    | X/5    |
| **Subtotal**         | XX/25  | XX/25  | XX/25  |

### Layer 2: Differentiation
| Kriteria              | Ide A  | Ide B  | Ide C  |
|----------------------|--------|--------|--------|
| Market saturation     | X/5    | X/5    | X/5    |
| Defensibility / moat  | X/5    | X/5    | X/5    |
| AI disruption risk    | X/5    | X/5    | X/5    |
| **Subtotal**         | XX/15  | XX/15  | XX/15  |

### Context
| Factor                | Ide A  | Ide B  | Ide C  |
|----------------------|--------|--------|--------|
| Cross-domain angle    | [desc] | [desc] | [desc] |
| Jenis Income (3R)     | R1/R2  | R2     | R1     |
| Waktu/minggu          | X jam  | X jam  | X jam  |
| Waktu ke income awal  | X mgg  | X mgg  | X mgg  |
| Biaya awal            | Rp X   | Rp X   | Rp X   |

Rekomendasi: [Ide yang paling cocok — highest combined feasibility + differentiation]
```

---

### 3. MVP Checklist Generator
**Best for:** Creating concrete 7-14 day validation plan

**When to use:**
- After an idea passes the 5-criteria filter
- When user says "ok, how do I start?"
- When user needs step-by-step first actions

**Process:**
1. Define the smallest testable version of the idea
2. Break down into daily/weekly actions for 7-14 days
3. Define success metrics — what counts as "validated"?
4. Include a decision point: continue, pivot, or stop

**Output format:**
```
## MVP Checklist: [Nama Ide]

**Versi paling sederhana:** [deskripsi MVP]
**Target validasi:** [apa yang mau dibuktikan]
**Timeline:** 7/14 hari

### Minggu 1
- [ ] Hari 1-2: [aksi konkret]
- [ ] Hari 3-4: [aksi konkret]
- [ ] Hari 5-7: [aksi konkret]

### Minggu 2 (jika 14 hari)
- [ ] Hari 8-10: [aksi konkret]
- [ ] Hari 11-14: [aksi konkret]

### Metrik Keberhasilan
- [metrik 1 — angka spesifik]
- [metrik 2 — angka spesifik]

### Decision Point (Hari 14)
- Lanjut jika: [kondisi]
- Pivot jika: [kondisi]
- Stop jika: [kondisi]
```

---

### 4. Energy-Time Estimator
**Best for:** Realistic assessment of time and energy investment

**When to use:**
- When user has limited time (e.g., 9-5 employee)
- When user shows signs of being stretched thin
- To compare energy cost between ideas

**Process:**
1. Estimate weekly hours needed (startup phase vs maintenance phase)
2. Assess energy type needed (creative, administrative, social, physical)
3. Map against user's available time slots
4. Flag conflicts with existing commitments

**Output format:**
```
## Estimasi Waktu & Energi: [Nama Ide]

### Fase Startup (Bulan 1-3)
- Jam/minggu: X jam
- Jenis energi: [kreatif/administratif/sosial/fisik]
- Waktu terbaik: [pagi/siang/malam/weekend]

### Fase Maintenance (Bulan 4+)
- Jam/minggu: X jam
- Jenis energi: [kreatif/administratif/sosial/fisik]

### Compatibility Check
- Waktu tersedia user: X jam/minggu
- Kebutuhan ide: X jam/minggu
- Status: COCOK / KETAT / TIDAK COCOK

### Rekomendasi
[Saran penyesuaian jika ketat/tidak cocok]
```

---

## Usage Workflow

1. **Identify validation need** — Is user evaluating, comparing, or planning execution?
2. **Load criteria reference** — Read `references/validation_criteria.md` for full rubric
3. **Apply appropriate tool** — Scoring, comparison, MVP checklist, or energy estimate
4. **Present with context** — Explain scores and reasoning, not just numbers
5. **Recommend next action** — What should user do based on the evaluation?

---

## Integration with Other Skills

Idea Validator works best when paired with:

- **idea-generator agent** — Generate ideas -> validate with this skill
- **financial-visualization** — Visualize comparison matrices and scoring results
- **cashflow-architect agent** — After validation, assess financial impact on overall cashflow

---

## Important Notes

- All scoring is context-dependent — a score of 4/5 for a freelancer may be 2/5 for a 9-5 employee
- Always explain the reasoning behind scores, not just the numbers
- Be honest about weaknesses — hiding risks helps no one
- Indonesian context matters: factor in local market conditions, payment culture, and infrastructure
- When in doubt about financial impact, recommend consulting cashflow-architect
- Language: Match the user's language (Indonesian/English/mixed)

---

## Reference

**Complete validation criteria and scoring rubric:** `references/validation_criteria.md`

Load this file when you need:
- Detailed scoring descriptions per criterion (1-5 scale)
- Edge cases and examples for each criterion
- Indonesian-specific considerations
- Common pitfalls in idea evaluation