Yes, layers. You start with a faint layer of the new thing you are building. Far from perfect, but already giving hints of the direction we are going. You layering in more functionality, add polish, round the edges.
Then comes the users.
They will tell you or hint about where it is still lacking. Their way of telling can be subtle. It can be by simply not using a feature you thought was great.
Then you put another layer in. This time with more confidence, after all, you have gotten real-life insights.
You watch the actions and the lack of action. Actions tell a much better story than feedback ever will.
Then you layer once again, rinse and repeat.
Sometimes the first layers will not be the right ones. That is ok. You can layer on top of them, change your direction and make something beautiful.
The key is to understand it is easier to do when there are fewer layers. The more you add, the harder it becomes to change.