What’s the scrappiest experiment you’ve run to validate an idea?

Early-stage building is full of hacks and sometimes the fastest, scrappiest experiments teach you more than months of “proper” work.

I’ve heard of people testing demand with:

• A “fake door” sign-up button that went nowhere (but proved interest)

• A quick landing page with nothing behind it

• Cold DMs to potential users with a mockup

• Even just a Google Form dressed up as a product

So, I'm curious: what’s the lowest-effort, highest-learning experiment you have ever run to test if your idea was worth pursuing?

Would love to hear the creative (and maybe slightly chaotic) stories that helped you decide whether to double down or pivot.