Last updated on April 13th, 2023
It is the same for each item, the process of developing software can’t be completed in a flash. It took years for the development process to reach the quality of the product we have today. It took the dedication and collaboration of various teams over the course of several years to produce the fully-fledged and polished applications we have today, which was initially a rough prototype.
It is also important to have solid consultancy on the development of software prior to putting together the product you want to sell to the ideal buyers.
If the process of creating an effective program is a long procedure, it can result in a cost of it too. The long process can divert the creators from the vision of the initial purpose of the product, forcing them to push release dates and waste time with costly bugs.
Making small steps to achieve small goals and then increasing continuously over time seems more sensible. (Minimum viable product) MVP software development is therefore essential to be strategically aligned so that it is manageable and scalable. It can be achieved with maximum concentration.
What’s MVP Software Development?
“The minimum viable product is that version of a new product which allows a team to collect the maximum amount of validated learning about customers with the least effort.” – Eric Ries
The definition implies that MVP software development refers to software with the bare minimum of features to allow the product to function, i.e. it is able to meet the requirements in a way that the fundamental functionality of the product is fulfilled. Many people mistake it for the wireframe or even an initial proof-of-concept but in reality, it’s the initial model which can be used by customers who want no frills.
Establishing the fundamental structure and testing its functionalities and delivering it in a timely manner is the foundation for the credibility and effectiveness of subsequent versions. Furthermore, the final version will be built on user experiences and feedback.
MVP can help in releasing it in a planned way that eliminates the possibility of failure, saving money and time. The modifications based on the demands of customers and their feedback are incorporated into the process of iteratively building measurement, analyzing, and learning to ensure that the product is entirely suited to the requirements of the market.
MVP is a term that is used to describe Agile Project Management Also called Lean Start-Up.
Tips to develop MVP faster For Software Development
There have been discussions about theories, and effective ways to approach the idea of testing MVP software development design. The one-page template was developed to help entrepreneurs find a suitable market for their products; a market that was compatible with the solid value proposition and the customer’s needs.
Then, the Lean Startup concept was introduced by Eric Ries, which became the model for developing and launching new products. Based on the product line there are a variety of methods and strategies to build an MVP faster, which were shared by skilled entrepreneurs and developers.
1. Create an easy or no-code program
To launch or build an innovative product, you could purchase or build the software. Another option is to build it using no or low-code software. The purchase of a new program is expensive and may have limitations or no options for customization. The development of the software internally will require recruiting developers. That, again, is likely to cost a lot. This is however the most efficient way to obtain precisely what you’re looking for.
If you choose to build your MVP software with low-code or no-code programs it is easy to translate your concept into an app that you can test. The outcomes will give you an idea of whether it is worth spending the time to develop a fully-fledged app or not.
2. Create a landing page
A web page to advertise your products can help you gather the basic information of your customer, such as email address, telephone number, and so on. Based on the interactions of users you can determine the aspects that need to be eliminated or enhanced, or even added.
Incorporating feedback and brief questionnaires on the landing page could provide a great way in understanding the customers who are interested and the motivations behind their purchase decision. This can be a great MVP to create, test, and present as an end product.
3. Find what value proposition
Clarity on what you can add to add value to your product to customers will simplify the whole process and allow entrepreneurs and developers to design an even more precise MVP software development plan.
With feedback and tests to determine the key value concept of the product and create an MVP software. Features and functions must be in line with the main value of the product.
4. Keep your eyes on the ball
In order to create an innovative product or service, the ideal method is to take an upward direction and remain focused on the central issue. If you get lost or stuck, going into details could lead you to lose your focus.
The MVP software development process is designed to showcase your product before people in order to collect feedback and use it to improve the product. MVP designed with the intention to launch your product in order to make more profit is the wrong method. It is possible to save time and effort by re-doing several steps by eliminating redundant functions.
Reach your business goals by using MVP
With a full grasp of the necessity of MVP software development and the benefits of MVP, let’s match the benefits to business goals and discuss the essential aspects of launching MVP software.
1. Act as a tester of the service or product
Beginning your project with an initial product that is viable and keeps everyone focused on the main capabilities and benefits of the product as well as the software. This helps reduce costs while reducing errors and risk a lot more. Through feedback and analysis, you will be able to develop a sound business concept that will work and is economically viable.
That is you could test the idea with a minimal amount of effort. It helps your team avoid delays by keeping it simple and concise by excluding unnecessary or unneeded features.
When using the MVP development software method, it’s easy to spot and fix issues and problems, which reduces the need to rework. Multilayered software with functionality makes it challenging and time-consuming for you to identify the flaws and then fix them, and also will make it necessary to extend deadlines.
2. Speedier release time
It is always recommended to try the water before you take a plunge. The fundamentals are the same for MVP software development. A faster and easier launch is only feasible if you have the ability to begin the initial product feature with success.
MVP allows you to launch your product more quickly and offers the opportunity to begin creating relationships with your targeted market. This could be the solid base for success later on.
Early market testing can save you from costly mistakes by making sure that there is actually a demand for your product or service. MVP is exactly that.
3. The product evolves as it is displayed
The creation of an MVP opens the way to evolve to later phases in the process of MVP software development. MVP is developed with a clear focus on the essential functions, you make the space for the addition of new features and updates in response to feedback from customers. Regularly upgrading the features of the product is not just beneficial but also provides a pleasant experience for the customers who purchase.
With the gradual development of MVP, it is possible to benefit from the latest technology as they become accessible. This ensures that your product stays relevant and up-to-date in a competitive marketplace.
4. Accelerate the learning speed of the team
From the initial release of the product until fully-fledged delivery, the product changes over time in terms of features and technical aspects. This provides numerous opportunities for the development team to acquire an in-depth understanding of the product and develop the most effective techniques and technical elements to enhance the quality of the product.
As was mentioned previously, MVP is an iterative process that provides teams to gain knowledge and apply iterative methods such as Agile which can help to increase the level of education of the team.
Benefits of an MVP For Software Development
A technology or feature is only viable only if there are some benefits associated with it. Once we know the meaning behind MVP software development, the business benefits should be aligned with that. Below are a few of these.
1. Enter the market with an affordable budget
MVP, as the name implies, is the launching of a service or product that is full of a minimum of functions. If there are any failures they can be addressed by removing and repairing the flaws, and errors without incurring any losses. The majority of startups launch their products or services by using MVP software that evaluates the viability of their product or service.
2. Find the correct target audience
With MVP software development, the main goal is to identify the appropriate customers for your product or service. With MVP you can collect feedback, conduct surveys, and also gather suggestions, based on the time available and your knowledge.
With a comprehension of the intended audience and the appropriateness of the product and the audience, you can eliminate the theory of hypotheses by conducting tests on the product. By making iterations based on this knowledge, you will result in fewer mistakes and, in the end, reduce the chance of failure and speed up the process of development.
3. Create a balance between the user and the product
It’s an absolute nightmare to discover later that we’re creating or building something that nobody wants. Making a product that is viable is essential. The process of determining if the product’s viable is a must for early in the design of MVP software in the early stages. Once you have identified the users’ requirements, it is more simple to establish an equilibrium between the features that the software provides and the needs of the users.
It is crucial to gather the best high-quality feedback to ensure that the requirements are balanced with the products. With MVP it is possible to target an individual group of users in order to gather high-quality feedback.
Stories of success from companies that started with MVP software development
The method of building MVP will save time, effort, and cash. Learning about the process through examples will help provide more certainty and clarity in the method that MVP design is able to bring businesses closer to becoming huge.
Let’s begin with an easy illustration of doughnuts. The fundamental doughnut is a sweet, round doughnut with holes (MVP) because it is the most basic requirement to satisfy your craving. After it was deemed popular and accepted by the consumers and the market, further improvements were made to improve its taste by adding cream or chocolate. This is an improvisation of the product that is able to satisfy the need for basic ingredients and improved taste. Similarly to this, some big companies have taken the MVP method to launch their first product, and then added functions to improve the product’s usability and accessibility.
1. Facebook
The first version of Facebook was referred to as “Thefacebook”. It was created as an MVP which was designed to help American students from various schools remain connected. It was initially launched at four universities across America. An easy application evaluated a portion of the population for a year and then opened the application to all across the globe.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox is a well-known file-hosting company. With a staff of just one person, including the co-founder of the company the idea of MVP was implemented as an instructional video that showcased the potential and capabilities of the software. It was surprising to note that the number of signups grew five times in the span of a single evening and without a product.
It is currently home to over 600 million customers. In testing the business hypothesis and understanding the actual market’s needs, Dropbox used the MVP strategy, without releasing its actual application.
3. Groupon
Over time, the initial idea was altered or modified to meet the needs of the market. The app was created as an MVP to bring together individuals with the intention to help each other out and organizing a campaign for crowdfunding or boycotting certain stores.
Then, users began sharing promo and coupon codes. These requests were processed manually, sending out emails to each customer with all the relevant information. The MVP method helped to reduce costs for software development and aid in gaining the benefits from the concept (testing the viability of the product). The platform later was the most popular eCommerce platform for global customers.
4. Twitter
Initially dubbed “twittr”, it was introduced as a platform for SMS communications for employees of Odeo, the podcasting platform. In order to test the product initially, the MVP software was limited to the capability of sending messages without hashtags and replies, reposts, and so on. The product later evolved into what we recognize now in the form of ” Twitter”, a standalone social network platform.
How can iTechnolabs become your MVP Software Development Partner?
The fastest-growing digital transformation firm, iTechnolabs can very well be your MVP development partner who will transform your idea for a product into a reality.
Based on our previous experiences and positive results, we’ve assisted many companies in achieving positive results using an approach that is foolproof with the MVP services for development.
iTechnolabs is proud to be a company that develops custom software and works with companies throughout the entire process that involves software creation. Our team is eager and efficient to tackle any challenge in order to ensure the development of innovative and attractive solutions that can improve their everyday business processes.
Create your own business plan with iTechnolabs and get a jump in the direction of your dream business.
