My anecdote: I built a product without all the research, focus groups and whatever else they say you have to do. I needed the product, I could see clear as day

My anecdote: I built a product without all the research, focus groups and whatever else they say you have to do. I needed the product, I could see clear as day that other people would too. Yes, a good idea still needs to make it to people's eyes and ears, but IMO, if an idea is good enough that you can't pass up doing it -- do it. You probably won't regret it, regardless of the outcome.