Do not index
Do not index
You’ve done the hard work of digging into user pain points. You’ve combed through G2, Reddit, and forums, identifying key opportunities for your next big integration idea. You’ve even come up with a clear vision for how the integration will deliver value.
But when you start to dig into the technical side, roadblocks appear:
- The API you need isn’t public
- A key technical feature requires users to upgrade to a premium plan.
- The platform doesn’t support a core functionality your solution depends on.
When building on top of platforms, you’re at the mercy of their APIs. Some ideas won’t be technically feasible without workarounds—or at all. How do you validate if your idea is viable before you start building?
In this article, I’ll break it down using a mythical Notion-to-DocuSign integration to illustrate how to ensure your integration idea is both technically feasible and worth building.
How to Validate an Integration Idea
1. Research User Needs and Define the Problem
Start with your user research. Look for pain points and jobs-to-be-done. Write a clear problem statement that defines what users want to achieve. If you’re reading this article you’re probably already at this stage but it’s worth reiterating
Example:
“Users want to export Notion documents to DocuSign while preserving formatting to streamline contract workflows.”
This ensures your integration solves a real problem before diving into technical exploration.
2. Define the Happy Path
Map out the ideal user experience. Focus on the minimum steps required for the integration to deliver value.
Example:
- User creates a document in Notion.
- User exports it to DocuSign.
- Document is sent for signature.
- Status updates sync back to Notion.
This happy path will guide your technical exploration.
3. Map Data Flows and Actions
Break down each step in the happy path:
- What data is needed, and where does it come from?
- What action must happen, and which system handles it?
- What output is expected?
This makes it clear what APIs you need to explore.
4. Validate API Capabilities
Review the API documentation for each platform. Look for:
- Endpoints that support your required actions.
- Input and output requirements.
- Any limitations (e.g., rate limits, restricted features).
Document what’s supported, what’s missing, and any potential blockers.
5. Test API Calls with Postman
Use Postman or a similar tool to mock each step in your happy path. Send requests to APIs and validate their responses. Simulate edge cases like missing fields or large payloads.
Testing ensures the APIs work as expected before development begins.
6. Document Constraints and Workarounds
For any gaps in functionality, identify possible solutions.
- Can you achieve the functionality another way?
- Do you need third-party services?
Example:
- Constraint: Notion API doesn’t support file uploads.
- Workaround: Store signed documents in Amazon storage and link them in Notion.
This helps you decide if the integration is still viable or needs to pivot.
7. Decide and Iterate
Evaluate your findings:
- Does the integration deliver enough user value within the API’s constraints?
- Are the workarounds worth the effort?
If the answer is yes, refine your plan and proceed. If not, consider pivoting to a simpler solution or a different idea.
Building on platforms means working within their rules. Validating technical feasibility early can save you from costly dead ends. By mapping your happy path to API capabilities, testing endpoints, and brainstorming workarounds, you’ll know whether your idea is viable before writing a single line of production code.
And that’s it! What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share them. For more insights like this, subscribe to my newsletter.
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