The best thing you can do is embed, like a journalist in a war zone. Or maybe the better metaphor is an anthropologist, studying humanity by observation and interaction.
Of course, best may not be feasible. So contact and talk to your target group. Find people in it, and ask about pain points. Then make a minimally viable product that addresses one tiny part of it, build a user base, and interate.
Just talking to people might not be enough. The people are used to putting up with pain and/or BS process, and they might not see an opportunity starting them in the face.
Of course, best may not be feasible. So contact and talk to your target group. Find people in it, and ask about pain points. Then make a minimally viable product that addresses one tiny part of it, build a user base, and interate.