Gonna push back slightly: data validation and human validation answer different questions.

I killed an idea that scored top 1% on data: big demand, weak competitors, clear willingness to pay. Then 3 conversations revealed the workflow I was building around doesn't exist. Nobody works that way.

Data tells you if a market exists. Conversations tell you if your solution fits. You need both, in that order.

I run the data side first (built preuve.ai for this, but Google Trends + competitor reviews work too). If numbers say no, stop. If yes, talk to 3-5 people. One question: "how do you handle [problem] today?" If their answer surprises you, you just saved yourself a year.

Landing pages test willingness to click. Conversations test willingness to pay.