Have you already developed innovative solutions for a problem that you want to tackle with your impact startup? Now it’s time to test your assumptions for solving the problem in order to identify the best solution. Interviews with the target group will help you do this.
You’ve come to the right place if …
- you want to found an impact startup or are already in the middle of it with your team.
- you have developed innovative solutions to a problem.
- you know your target group and their needs.
- you have built an effect staircase.

Not quite ready yet?
Then select the appropriate chapter here
This chapter helps to …
- get feedback on your solution ideas.
- to find the best solution.
- to recognize where there is potential for improvement.
Collect feedback on your solution ideas
To check the effectiveness of your solution ideas, it is best to mirror them directly with the target group. Interviews are ideal for this. Use specific questions to evaluate the potential, acceptance and impact of your solution ideas. This will provide you with valuable feedback for further development. You can proceed in the following four steps:
1. select suitable interview partners
This is crucial for meaningful results. Make sure that as many different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences as possible are covered. In addition to people from the target group, you can also interview experts and people who work in a similar environment, for example.
2. develop interview questions for the target group discussions
The following suggestions for questions serve only as examples and must be adapted to your solution ideas and your target group. Where appropriate, you can offer multiple choice, a rating scale or open answer fields.
Evaluation of the proposed solution
- Which aspects of our solution do you like the most?
- Are there elements of the solution idea that you consider problematic or ineffective?
- How easy is it for you to understand and use our solution?
- What suggestions do you have for improving our solution concept?
Relevance and acceptance of the solution
- How likely is it that you would use our solution?
- What would motivate you to actively use our solution?
- What could prevent you from using our solution?
Assessment of the potential impact
- To what extent do you agree that our solution can contribute to positive changes in your environment?
- What specific positive changes can our solution bring about?
Feasibility and resources
- How realistic do you think it is to implement our solution in your environment?
- What challenges or barriers could there be?
- What resources or support do you need to use the solution successfully?
- Would you use our solution on your own or do you need support?
Cooperation and commitment
- How willing are you to actively participate in the further development and adaptation of our solution?
- What kind of support or cooperation can you offer us to further improve the solution?
3. write an appealing cover letter for the interview
Clearly formulate the expectations of the participants. Assumes that many people will ask themselves in advance what exactly to expect and whether they need to prepare. Explain how long the interview will take, what its purpose is and emphasize that no special preparation is necessary. Thank the participants in advance for their time and emphasize how important their contribution is to the project.
4. creates a pleasant atmosphere
It is the basis for an open and honest conversation. Start the exchange with a short introduction and explain what your project is about and why you are conducting the interview. Make sure the participants feel comfortable by creating a friendly, relaxed environment and giving them the opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns at any time.
Next chapter: Reality check
You have gathered feedback on your solution ideas and now know where there is room for improvement and which ideas are most popular with the target group.
The next step we recommend doing a reality check for your solution ideas and prioritizing the tasks at hand.