Am I reinventing the wheel that nobody needs?

Buddy, this is a classic question, one that every engineer who's ever wanted to build something of their own has probably asked themselves late at night. When I first started working on my own small products, I'd ponder this daily, terrified that all my 'fierce' efforts would only end up impressing myself.

First, let's get one thing straight: "reinventing the wheel" isn't the problem itself; the problem is "reinventing a wheel nobody wants to use."

Look, there are so many cars in the world, so why are new models released every year? Why are there so many restaurants, yet people still open new ones? Because some people always feel that existing cars aren't fast enough, fuel-efficient enough, good-looking enough, or are too expensive; existing restaurants have bad food, poor ambiance, or terrible service.

They aren't inventing "cars" or "restaurants"; they're making a car or restaurant that is better or different.

So, don't ask if you're "reinventing the wheel." Instead, ask yourself these questions:

1. Who is this 'wheel' for? This is the most crucial question. Have you identified a specific group of people who are particularly frustrated with their current "wheels"?

• Perhaps existing tools are too complex for them, like giving an F1 steering wheel to an average person.
• Perhaps they're too expensive, and people can't afford them.
• Perhaps they have too many features and are bloated; users just want something simple and clean.
• Perhaps the design is too ugly, and they can't stand it.

If you can find such a group and your "wheel" precisely solves their frustrations, then you've got a shot. The real danger is saying, "Anyone can use my wheel," which often means "No one will use it."

2. What's truly 'new' about your 'wheel'? You don't need to create a groundbreaking invention. Many successful products simply excel in one particular aspect.

• Better experience? Is it smoother, simpler, or more aesthetically pleasing than others? Does it make users happy?
• More specialized scenario? Does it specifically solve a problem in a very niche scenario? For example, instead of a general note-taking app, it's a note-taking app specifically for programmers to store code snippets.
• Lower price? This is the most direct, but you also need to consider how to sustain it.
• A new combination? Combining two seemingly unrelated things in a clever way to create a surprising effect.

As long as there's one aspect where you can do significantly better than all existing "wheels" on the market, you have a reason to exist.

3. How do you validate the assumption that 'no one needs it'? Don't just bury your head in the sand for two years, hoping to make a splash upon launch. That's the biggest pitfall.

• Don't code, talk first. Find the people you think would use your product and talk to them. Don't ask, "If I build this for you, would you use it?" No one will tell you the truth. Instead, ask them, "How do you currently solve problem XX?" Listen to their complaints, see their struggles. If their pain is real and you can solve it, you're on the right track.
• Build an 'ugly thing that just works'. Implement the most core functionality as quickly as possible, creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The interface can be ugly, and features can be few, but it must solve that most painful point.
• Throw it out there. Give this "ugly thing" to the people you initially spoke with. See if they genuinely want to use it, if they want to keep using it after trying it, and even if they're willing to offer feedback. Their actions are far more important than any verbal promise.

Finally, what if, in the end, no one uses it? For us engineers, building a product from idea to implementation to promotion is a huge asset in itself. What you learn is far more than just writing a few lines of code. This experience will make you more valuable on your future path, whether you continue entrepreneurship or work for someone else.

So, don't be afraid to reinvent the wheel. Be afraid of building it in isolation and then being too scared to let others try it out. Go for it, validate quickly, and enjoy the process.