Pivot Engine

projected_score = sum of (projected_dimension_scores × weights) × projected_floor_penalty

{
  "original_score": 0,
  "original_verdict": "",
  "triggered_by_weaknesses": [
    {
      "dimension": "",
      "score": 0,
      "root_cause_type": "",
      "root_cause_description": ""
    }
  ],
  "structural_weaknesses_unpivotable": [],
  "pivot_options": [
    {
      "pivot_id": "pivot-1",
      "pivot_type": "",
      "description": "",
      "specific_change": "",
      "evidence": "",
      "evidence_source": "",
      "meets_minimum_viable_pivot": true,
      "scoring_simulation": {
        "dimensions_improved": [
          { "dimension": "", "current": 0, "projected_low": 0, "projected_high": 0 }
        ],
        "dimensions_worsened": [
          { "dimension": "", "current": 0, "projected_low": 0, "projected_high": 0 }
        ],
        "dimensions_unchanged": [],
        "projected_score_range": { "low": 0, "high": 0 },
        "projected_verdict_range": ""
      },
      "effort": {
        "level": "low | medium | high",
        "tier_adjusted_level": "low | medium | high",
        "timeline": "",
        "what_changes": "",
        "what_stays": ""
      },
      "indie_buildability": {
        "passes": true,
        "constraints_checked": ["solo_buildable", "budget_feasible", "time_feasible", "skill_feasible", "no_enterprise_creep"],
        "failed_constraints": []
      },
      "trade_offs": [],
      "variables_changed": 0
    }
  ],
  "recommended_pivot": "",
  "recommended_pivot_rationale": "",
  "drop_recommendation": false,
  "drop_rationale": "",
  "market_insights_sources_used": []
}

---
idea_slug: <slug>
original_score: <X>
original_verdict: <verdict>
recommended_pivot: <pivot_id>
created_at: <YYYY-MM-DD>
---

# Pivot Report: <Idea Name>

## Why the Original Idea Scored <X>/100

<2–3 sentences. State the root cause of the low score plainly — not a list of every problem, just the one or two structural reasons the idea can't work as-is. Cite specific scores from scores.json (e.g. "Distribution scored 34/100 because…"). No hedging.>

---

## What Can Be Fixed vs. What Can't

**Addressable weaknesses** (pivot targets):
- <dimension>: <1-sentence root cause and why it's fixable>
- ...

**Structural weaknesses** (cannot be pivoted away):
- <dimension>: <1-sentence root cause and why no pivot can fix it>
- ...

<If all weaknesses are structural, state clearly that a pivot is unlikely to rescue this idea and explain why.>

---

## Pivot Options

### Option 1 — <Pivot Type>: <Short Name> · Projected score: <low>–<high>/100 · Effort: <tier_adjusted_level>

**The change:** <1–2 sentences. Be specific about exactly what changes — audience, feature, channel, pricing model, platform. Name concrete details (specific subreddits, competitor pricing, App Store keywords, etc.).>

**Why this works:** <2–3 sentences grounded in evidence. Cite the market_insights signal, competitor gap, or user complaint that supports this direction. Name the source (e.g. "r/FigmaDesign has 150K active members discussing invoice pain", "BookPal's 1-star reviews consistently mention X", "TikTok hashtag #X has 40M views and rising velocity").>

**What stays the same:** <1 sentence. What existing work and strengths are preserved.>

**Score projection:**
| Dimension | Current | Projected |
|---|---|---|
| <dimension> | <current>/100 | <low>–<high>/100 |
| <dimension (worsened)> | <current>/100 | <low>–<high>/100 |
| ... | ... | unchanged |

**Trade-offs:** <1–2 sentences. What this pivot gives up. Be honest — every pivot has a cost.>

**Effort:** <What specifically needs to change — code, copy, positioning, research. Timeline.>

---

### Option 2 — <Pivot Type>: <Short Name> · Projected score: <low>–<high>/100 · Effort: <tier_adjusted_level>

<Same structure as Option 1.>

---

### Option 3 — <Pivot Type>: <Short Name> · Projected score: <low>–<high>/100 · Effort: <tier_adjusted_level> *(optional)*

<Same structure as Option 1. Include only if a genuinely distinct third option exists.>

---

## Recommendation

**Go with Option <N> — <Short Name>.**

<3–4 sentences. State why this option has the best impact-to-effort ratio. Reference the scoring simulation. Name the one thing that makes this pivot more credible than the alternatives (the market signal, the competitor gap, the distribution advantage). End with a specific first action the founder should take this week.>

**If this pivot also scores below 50:** <1 sentence — what that means and what to do (drop, major rethink, or new idea slug).>

---

## What to Do First

<1–3 concrete steps, ordered. Each step should be doable within a week. No vague advice — name the specific subreddit, pricing change, App Store keyword, or feature to cut. If a RAT experiment makes sense before committing to the pivot, define it here: ≤2 weeks, ≤$100, pass/fail criteria.>