Why This Stage Matters
The most successful Open Source projects don’t just solve problems, they solve the right problems for the right people.
Ideation & Discovery is about figuring out what to build and why it matters before you write a single line of code.
Step 1: Find a Real-World Need
Start by asking:
- Who am I trying to help?
- What problems do they face regularly?
- Are there tools that exist but don’t fully solve it?
At Software for Progress Foundation, we focus on ideas that advance:
- Education (learning, teaching, training)
- Accessibility (tools for people with disabilities or limited access)
- Security (privacy, safety, and transparency)
Start here and go deep, not broad.
Step 2: Explore What’s Already Out There
Before you build a new tool, see what’s already been made. Some questions to ask:
- Are there Open Source projects that already do this?
- Are they still active? Maintained?
- Can you build something simpler, more ethical, or more accessible?
This is where your value comes in, not just making something new, but making something better or more approachable.
Step 3: Define Your Project's Purpose
Write one sentence that explains what your project is and who it helps.
“I’m building a simple web app that helps teachers quickly create printable worksheets for students with dyslexia.”
This will be your compass through every other stage.
Step 4: Document Everything Early
Even if it’s just a note to yourself, begin your documentation now:
- What is the idea?
- Who is it for?
- Why is it helpful?
- How is it different from what’s out there?
At Software for Progress, we’ll eventually help you turn this into:
- A full project brief
- A public-facing project page
- A funding-ready proposal (if you apply for support)
Tips for Good Ideas
- Simple is better than perfect.
- “Small but useful” wins over “big and vague.”
- If you wish you had it, others probably do too.
TL;DR
- Don’t rush to code - start by solving a real problem.
- Study the landscape so you don’t duplicate effort.
- Define a clear purpose for your project.
- Document as you go, it saves time later.