side-project-planning

Outline minimal viable products and monetization paths for side-project ideas.

3|4|Updated Mar 20, 2026

Search Tags:#planning #monetization #validation #mvp #product-strategy #indie-hacker #side-project

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/jamestorrevillas/dev-skills --skill side-project-planning

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: side-project-planning
Source: https://github.com/jamestorrevillas/dev-skills/tree/main/.github/skills/side-project-planning
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jamestorrevillas/dev-skills --skill side-project-planning

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Side-project planning helps individuals validate ideas, scope MVPs, and decide whether to build or buy—reducing wasted effort and sunk costs.

Core Features & Use Cases

Framework for validating problems, solutions, and monetization
MVP scoping templates and decision criteria for build vs buy
Real-world example: outline a 2-week MVP for a personal project to test demand

Quick Start

Describe a side project idea and outline a minimal MVP plan in 1-2 sentences.

Frequently Asked Questions about side-project-planning

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I validate a side project idea before building?▼

To validate a side project idea, you outline a minimal viable product and evaluate its problem-solution fit using structured validation checklists. This process tests demand and reduces wasted effort by confirming market need before committing to development.

What is the best way to scope an MVP for an indie hacker project?▼

Scoping an MVP for an indie hacker project involves using targeted templates to define the minimal features required to test demand. This approach ensures you outline a buildable product quickly, often within a 2-week timeframe, to validate market interest.

How do I decide whether to build or buy a feature for my side project?▼

Deciding whether to build or buy a feature involves applying specific decision criteria to evaluate sunk costs, effort, and monetization impact. This framework helps solo developers and small teams determine if external solutions better support their product strategy.

Can I use this MVP planning framework for small teams or is it only for solo projects?▼

You can use this MVP planning framework for both small teams and solo projects. The validation checklists and scoping templates are designed to support ideation workflows across various team sizes while maintaining an MVP mindset.

How do I plan a monetization path for a minimal viable product?▼

Planning a monetization path for a minimal viable product requires evaluating how the scoped features align with potential revenue streams during the validation phase. The framework provides structured prompts to define this path early in the ideation process.