FoundStep

The platform guides solo developers through a five‑stage workflow—capture, validate, lock scope, build, and ship—forcing a disciplined approach to side‑project development. Before any code is written, users answer a seven‑question questionnaire that assesses problem pain, existing alternatives, and whether a viable MVP can be delivered in four weeks, after which a written verdict (Build, Wait, or Reject) unlocks the build phase.

Scope locking records every feature set permanently; any addition after lock requires a timestamped justification that appears on a public Ship Card, while scope reduction is encouraged without penalty. This accountability mechanism is intended to prevent scope creep and ensure that projects either progress to shipping or are formally abandoned.

The free tier provides up to ten active workspaces with all core features, including AI‑assisted MVP planning, Ship Cards, and a version timeline. A paid tier lifts the workspace limit while keeping the same feature set, positioning the tool as a purpose‑built alternative to general‑purpose task managers for independent developers.