The process of developing an edtech product and bringing it to the market is the same as reaching any long-term goal.

You have a concept, and then you spend the entire development period planning, preparing, and promising that everything will be in place. You’re certain that consumers will love it as much as you do. When the first iteration of your product arrives, it’s perfect, right? Hopefully, the answering is a resounding yes!

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

What happened along the way? You met your timelines and nailed the milestones. You have what you thought is the most exceptional edtech product ever. Why aren’t you getting any traction with it?

The answer boils down to three critical areas: you must collect research-based evidence, develop successful pilots, and seek innovation. You have to prove product validation at every step along the way to adoption.

Research-based evidence

Schools make decisions based on extensive collections of evidence. That evidence arrives in the form of two areas: data taken from best practices and how it correlates with what we know about cognitive processes. Educators must verify that your product results meet rigorous requirements for assessing student achievement. Students from every sub-population, such as English Language Learners and special education, must benefit from your product.

Current research-based practices identify programs and products based on how well they meet Tier I and Tier II interventions in math, science, and reading. If you cannot produce compelling data that shows how your edtech product closes learning gaps, you have little to no efficacy.

Establish a history of successful pilots

Teachers are more likely to embrace your edtech product or services if you can show how you’ve helped others. The way to do this is by offering a pilot program, even as you are finalizing product features.

A well-crafted pilot has clear beginning and end dates. It allows you to mine the data necessary to determine product efficacy. During this time, you’ll also be able to refine your professional development procedures and build a loyal consumer base.

The consumers who have used your product or service during the pilot are your best marketers. They will talk to their colleagues about you. If your pilot has been a success, you’ll get rave reviews.

Innovation

Even if your product or service is already successful, you’re not done yet.

Technology continuously morphs into better versions of itself. Your edtech product must do the same. To evolve beyond your Minimum Viable Product (MVP), find ways to embed innovative features. If you’re not sure which bells and whistles would be the best to pursue, listen to your consumers. If you’ve built a strong base of users, they’ll tell you what they want next.

It’s your job to deliver it. That takes being open-minded and having a willingness to adapt to new changes.

Remain stagnant, however, and your product or service will no longer be relevant in an ever-changing digital environment.

Edtech entrepreneurs need to make use of research-based data, launch successful pilot programs, and develop innovative strategies while promoting their products and services. These aren’t steps to take once you’ve launched your product. By implementing these strategies during the development of your product, you’re more likely to get the validation you’re looking for.