The ultimate guide to product building with the man who changed software

The Startup Ideas Podcast

I’m joined by Jason Fried, Co-founder and CEO of 37signals, as we deep dive on innovative startup ideas, our frameworks to building products people love, and our thoughts on the current software landscape.

1) The "Scratch-off Ad" app idea:
• Full-screen ad you scratch off with your finger
• Blow into mic to clear "dust"
• Chance to win prizes/coupons
• Global, once-a-day experience
Potential: Massive user base, high engagement

2) "Shower Door Sketch" app concept:
• Simulates drawing on steamy shower glass
• Ephemeral canvas that fogs up & clears
• Add shower sounds for immersion
• Screenshot to save ideas
Perfect for creative brainstorming!

3) Key insight: Bring real-world experiences to digital
• Leverage mystery, surprise, uncertainty
• Create moments that can't be replicated
• Tap into universal human experiences
"There's some sort of deeper universal things to tap into here." - Jason

4) The power of limitations in software:
• Time-based experiences (HQ Trivia)
• Visit-once websites
• Apps with "open hours"
Creates scarcity & increases perceived value

5) Hobbyist ethos missing in modern software:
• Early internet had more quirky, fun projects
• Less focus on monetization, more on exploration
• Need for "weirder" apps and experiences
Challenge: How can we make the internet weird again?

6) Cozy software movement:
• Make apps feel warm, comfortable
• Contrast to clinical, cold modern design
• Focus on user experience & delight
Goal: Create software people genuinely enjoy using

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership.

You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more!

Spots are limited.

https://www.communityempire.co/

📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free:

https://www.gregisenberg.com/

70,000+ people are already subscribed.

To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to

http://boringmarketing.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JASON ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/jasonfried
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-fried/
37signals: https://37signals.com/

Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
02:17 Startup Idea 1: The "Scratch-off Ad" app
18:44 Startup Idea 2: "Shower Door Sketch" app concept:
33:43 Frameworks for building products people love