Decision log
Keep the tradeoffs visible.
Founder memory is unreliable. The log keeps product choices from being re-litigated every week.
Ship the canvas before team features
Context: The workspace could grow in several directions, but the first pain is unclear product shape.
Decision: Make the idea canvas the first product surface. Delay team spaces and integrations.
Tradeoff: The product starts narrower, but the first signal is much cleaner.
Use constrained fields before open notes
Context: Open-ended notes collect thoughts without forcing a choice.
Decision: Start with short prompts and visible cuts.
Tradeoff: Less expressive at first, easier to finish.
Measure completed loops, not stored ideas
Context: A database full of ideas can still mean nothing shipped.
Decision: The dashboard centers the current loop, shipped test, and next user signal.
Tradeoff: Less room for long-range planning, more pressure to put something in front of people.