First-customer interview guide

Start with the decision

Which important questions still lack a concrete example from the participant?

Founders preparing their first customer-learning conversations.

From input to next step.

1. 01

   Choose the learning question

   Define one uncertainty about a specific customer problem. Invite a relevant participant and explain how you will use their response.

2. 02

   Ask about actual behaviour

   Explore the last occurrence, what the person did and what it cost in their own terms. Avoid leading questions that invite praise for your solution.

3. 03

   Separate observation and inference

   Record a faithful paraphrase or permitted quote with its reference. Ask permission for any follow-up and compare multiple relevant accounts before generalising.

A look inside

The example, in plain sight.

Fictional values from the workbook. Amounts are illustrative currency units, not a market rate or a customer result.

Learning topic

Last occurrence

Neutral question

Tell me about the last time.

Concrete example reference

Interview note A

Example obtained?

Yes

Interpretation

Review process described

Follow-up permission?

Yes

Evidence question open

0

Before you use the result.

• Ask permission before recording or quoting.
• Do not imply that one interview represents a market.
• A hypothetical yes is not a purchase commitment.

A research-preparation pack, not completed research, recruiting participants or evidence of demand.