This really isn't something that can be answered easily in an Ask HN thread. This is a HUGE topic, about which many books have been written, many classes have b

This really isn't something that can be answered easily in an Ask HN thread. This is a HUGE topic, about which many books have been written, many classes have been taught, etc. Any comments you get aren't even going to begin to start to scratch the surface of the surface. That said, I'd suggest you start by reading The Four Steps to the Epiphany by @sgblank. His "Customer Development Process" is basically "market research" but by a different name, and with a slightly different focus than "traditional" market research. While you're at it, I'd suggest also hitting up Alibris (or your favorite pirate e-book site, whatever) and pick up a cheap "Intro to Marketing" book. Doesn't matter which one, or what edition, but probably go for something written in the last 15 years or so. Even if it isn't super up to date, a lot of the basics will still be valid. The book The Mom Test is also good and should probably be required reading at this stage. If you want more, consider searching the HN archives, as a lot has been written on this topic here over the years.