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Your idea falls into a category where there's minimal market signal, meaning either the problem you're addressing is very niche or not perceived as a significant pain point by many. With only one similar product found, confidence in this assessment is low. The lack of comments on the similar product indicates very low engagement. Given this landscape, it's crucial to avoid significant investment until you can validate whether real demand exists for your app. This initial assessment doesn't mean the idea is inherently bad, but it highlights the necessity for thorough validation before committing substantial resources.

Recommendations

1. Start by engaging potential users in online communities like local subreddits, neighborhood Facebook groups, or city-specific forums. Clearly explain your app's concept and ask for direct feedback on whether people experience the parking problem and would use such a solution. Quantify their interest by asking questions like how often they encounter this issue and how much they'd value a solution.
2. Offer to manually solve the problem for a small number of potential users, perhaps by monitoring parking violations in a specific area and notifying vehicle owners or relevant authorities. This could involve using existing platforms to report violations and informing the affected parties. This manual approach can provide insights into the real-world challenges and user behavior before building the app.
3. Create a short, compelling explainer video showcasing the app's features, benefits, and ease of use. Highlight the reward system for reporting violations and demonstrate how it simplifies the process for citizens. Track the video's watch time to gauge audience interest and identify areas for improvement in your messaging. Use free animation software or online presentation recorders to prototype a product demo.
4. Gauge commitment by asking interested individuals to join a waiting list and consider requesting a small deposit (e.g., $5-$10) to secure their spot. This deposit serves as a tangible indicator of their willingness to use the app and helps validate demand. Use this money to fund development or further research.
5. Set a clear deadline, such as three weeks, to find at least five genuinely interested individuals. If you fail to reach this threshold, carefully reconsider the viability of your idea or explore alternative approaches. Perhaps there's an alternative solution like working directly with local government to fix the parking problem, or to sell them your app.
6. Research existing city-level data on parking tickets and violations. This data can highlight areas with the highest frequency of parking issues, informing your marketing and targeting efforts once you're ready to launch. This can also make the case that there is a genuine use case for your app.

Questions

1. What specific incentives, beyond monetary rewards, can motivate users to consistently report parking violations and contribute to the platform's growth? For example, is there a gamified element that encourages user involvement?
2. How can you integrate with local law enforcement or parking authorities to ensure reported violations are efficiently processed and addressed, making your platform more than just a reporting tool?
3. What are the privacy considerations and data security measures necessary to protect users who are reporting parking violations, and how will you build trust in a space with potential conflicts between neighbors?