If you’re starting a business and thinking about making an app or software, you’ve probably heard of MVP – that’s short for Minimum Viable Product. It’s a fancy way of saying, start simple. This blog is all about helping you understand how to make a basic version of your MVP software development idea come to life, get some feedback, and make it better step by step.
MVP is a cool idea because it means you don’t have to make your app perfect from the start. You just need to make something that works well enough to show your customers, see what they think, and then improve it based on what they say. It saves time and money, and it’s a smart way to make sure people actually like and need what you’re creating.
We’ll walk you through the whole process, giving you tips about how others did MVP software development successfully. Whether you’re trying to figure out what your app should do, who it’s for, or how to make it better, we’re here to help. Let’s make your idea a reality, starting with the basics. Let’s get started!
What is MVP in Software Development?
In software development, MVP denotes Minimum Viable Product. This method entails crafting a new product or website with the essential features necessary to satisfy initial adopters. The primary objective of MVP is to expedite product release to the market, encompassing only the requisite features to attract early customers and elicit feedback for subsequent refinement.
Identifying the Three Pillars of MVP in Software Development
1. Minimum:
This term means that the product should only have the most necessary features. These features are the ones that directly solve the main problem or meet the main need of the user.
Example;
Let’s consider a ride-hailing app like Uber. The minimum viable product (MVP) for this would be an app that allows users to request a ride and pay for it. Features like ride sharing, scheduling a ride for later, or choosing a type of car might not be part of the MVP because they aren’t essential for the app to function.
2. Viable:
This term means that the product, even with limited features, should work well and be useful. It should solve a real problem or meet a real need in a way that users find valuable.
Example;
An example could be a food delivery app. Even if it has only a few restaurants and a basic search function, it’s viable as long as users can successfully order food and have it delivered.
3. Product:
This term means that the product is not just an idea or concept. It’s something real and tangible that can be given to users for testing and feedback. This helps the development team learn from real user experiences and make better decisions for future versions of the product.
Example;
An example could be a new email platform. Even if it only has basic features like sending and receiving emails, it’s a product because users can actually use it. The team can then collect feedback from these users to improve the platform in future versions.
The primary characteristics of an MVP encompass
Minimal Features:
An MVP is distinguished by its inclusion of only the fundamental features essential for product functionality and user value. This streamlined approach facilitates swift product release with minimal development overhead.
Expedited Development:
MVP development prioritizes speed, aiming to swiftly introduce the product to the market to commence gathering feedback from authentic users.
Feedback Collection:
Early product release enables developers to solicit feedback from users, informing subsequent development priorities and enhancements.
Iterative Enhancement:
Informed by user feedback, the development team iterates and refines the product through successive releases, aligning it more closely with user requirements.
Cost Efficiency:
MVP development typically offers a more cost-effective approach compared to launching a fully-fledged product from inception. It enables companies to test hypotheses and validate ideas with minimal initial investment.
Risk Mitigation:
By releasing a minimal product version, developers can assess market demand and user reception, mitigating the risk of investing substantial resources into a product that may not resonate with the target market.
How To Build An MVP – Stages For Building A Software-Based MVP
Let’s check what is MVP in software development and how to execute an MVP for the success of a software development. MVP Software Development has certain procedures you need to go through to make it a success. The key steps are here!
1. Define The Problem:
To avoid building an application that no one will use, you need to clearly define the problem your app intends to solve. During this stage, you should sit down and discuss with your software development team the problem that an app can solve and how significant it is to the people who could potentially use the app.
2. Decide Who Your Target Audience Is:
After defining the problem, you need to define your target audience. Some developers make the mistake of trying to build an app for everyone. Yes, it is possible to create something that billions of people will use, but it is best to target a niche group when starting.
Build your target audience persona and make it as specific as possible. You should include details in the buyer persona like age, profession, location, income bracket, education level, hobbies, etc. It will become easier to determine the features you will ship first with these details.
3. Determine The Essential Features:
After defining the problem and target audience, it is time to determine the key features that the product’s first version will ship with.
You should list all the potential features the product should have and then select the features that are just enough to ensure it is usable. From these features, you have to choose a few crucial ones that the MVP should ship with, including one major feature to test the general idea of the product and the problem it intends to solve.
4. Build the MVP:
Now that you have decided about the features, it is time to build the product. Determine the programming languages, frameworks, and other tools you need, and then you can start development.
At this stage, you don’t need to think about perfection; focus on building a usable product. Your goal should be to create a functional product in the shortest time possible to test if your idea is viable and functional.
5. Test The Product With Early Adopters:
Once you have built a usable product, the next step is to test it with actual users. Find the people who match the buyer persona you created and request them to use your product. You can reach out to these people via social media, email, or physical if possible. The goal is to have a good number of people who can use the product and give you feedback.
You need to provide a mechanism that allows the users to give you honest feedback about their experience with your product. If it means sending them follow-up emails with a form to fill out, do it. You aim to get feedback that you can use to determine if your idea is what the users want or if it needs improvement.
6. Use Feedback To Improve The Product:
When users give feedback about the product, you need to gather it and see how best to implement it into the MVP. First, focus on feedback on how the product solves the user’s problem to help you know whether to pivot or continue with the same idea. If the feedback is positive, you can now determine the next features to add to your product based on the feedback.
You may not be able to fix all the issues raised by the early adopters at once. Determine the most pressing issues that affect the user’s experience of the product and attend to those first. This process may also involve removing some useless features from the product.
Spend as little time as possible while fixing these issues. You should then roll out one feature at a time and work on the rest as the users continue to use the product. It should be a constant loop until you reach the point when the product is ready to be used by the general public.
Minimum Viable Product Examples
When exploring how to build an MVP, it’s insightful to examine real-life success stories. They can illuminate effective strategies. Here are the narratives of the MVPs for some renowned and exceptionally successful products in the market:
1. Dropbox:
- MVP: Dropbox’s initial MVP consisted of a straightforward video demonstration illustrating the concept of cloud-based file storage and sharing.
- Case: Dropbox commenced with a basic video outlining how their product would function. They hadn’t fully developed the intricate infrastructure behind it. Nevertheless, the video garnered substantial interest and sign-ups, validating the demand for such a service. This enabled Dropbox to secure funding and evolve into the fully-fledged product we recognize today.
2. Airbnb
- MVP: Airbnb‘s MVP was a rudimentary website enabling individuals to rent air mattresses in their living spaces.
- Case: Airbnb initially targeted attendees of a design conference in need of accommodation. To test their concept, they crafted a minimalistic platform—an online “bed and breakfast” site. The positive response from their initial users confirmed the viability of peer-to-peer lodging rentals. Subsequently, Airbnb expanded to encompass various property types and locations, evolving into a global platform.
3. Instagram
- MVP: Instagram’s inaugural MVP was a photo-sharing application featuring limited filters and social functionalities.
- Case: Instagram prioritized simplicity and swiftness. They deliberately excluded intricate features prevalent in other photo applications at the time, emphasizing the social aspect instead. This approach resonated with users who valued the streamlined experience. Over time, Instagram introduced new features, establishing itself as one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide.
4. Buffer
- MVP: Buffer’s MVP was a fundamental scheduling tool for social media posts on Twitter.
- Case: Buffer initiated with a straightforward web application enabling users to schedule tweets at designated times. The MVP addressed a specific pain point for social media managers and bloggers. As Buffer amassed users and feedback, it diversified to support other social media platforms and integrated analytics features. Thus, Buffer evolved into a comprehensive social media management tool.
Skills Needed to Build Software-based MVP Development
Whether you’re flying solo or leading a team, it is very important to know about why MVP development is important; here are the essential skills required to craft a successful software-based MVP:
UI Design/Front-end Development:
The graphical user interface (UI) is a cornerstone of any application. During MVP development, possessing UI design skills or collaborating with a UI designer is crucial. The UI serves as the user’s gateway to the application, so it must be intuitive and functional from the get-go.
Back-end Development:
Behind the scenes, every application relies on back-end processes to execute commands received from the front end. Proficiency in server-side scripting is indispensable for building the back-end infrastructure of your application.
Project Management:
Beyond technical prowess, effective project management is vital for keeping the development process on track. The project manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring coordination between back-end and front-end teams, as well as adhering to project timelines. In many cases, the project manager also serves as the visionary founder, steering the project towards success.
How Can Nintriva Help You Develop Your MVP?
As the best MVP app development agency in the country, Nintriva has many professional developers with proven track records. At Nintriva, begin your MVP product development process with comprehensive market research and create a roadmap for launching your solution.
1. Focus on Core Functionality
At Nintriva, understand that the essence of an MVP lies in its core functionality. Their approach is to identify and concentrate on the primary features that solve the critical problems of your target audience. This focused development ensures that your MVP is lean and efficient and directly addresses the needs of your market.
2. Rapid Development and Deployment
Time is of the essence in the startup world. Their team at Nintriva is adept at rapid development methodologies, ensuring that your MVP moves swiftly from the planning stage to the market.
3. User-Centric Design
A successful MVP resonates with its users. Their design philosophy is deeply rooted in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) best practices.
4. Iterative Development Based on Feedback
Feedback is the lifeblood of MVP development. Nintriva emphasizes iterative development, where they continuously integrate user feedback into subsequent versions of your product.
5. Cost-Effective Solutions
They understand the budget constraints typical of startups. Their team is skilled at delivering high-quality MVPs within a reasonable budget, ensuring you get the best return on your investment. We focus on essential features to minimize unnecessary costs while maximizing product impact.
6. Expertise in Latest Technologies
Nintriva stays abreast of the latest technological trends and tools. Whether it’s cloud computing, AI, or mobile-first design, they leverage cutting-edge technology to ensure that your MVP is current and scalable for future expansions.
7. Transparent Communication and Collaboration
Nintriva believes in working closely with their clients. Their process is marked by transparent communication and collaborative planning. You are involved at every stage, ensuring the MVP aligns perfectly with your vision and business goals.
8. Data-Driven Approach
At Nintriva, decisions are driven by data. From market analysis to user behavior, they rely on data to guide the development process. This ensures that the MVP is not based on assumptions but on real insights about what works and what doesn’t.
9. Support and Maintenance Post-Launch
Their relationship with clients continues after launch. They provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your MVP performs optimally in the dynamic market environment. This includes regular updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements.
10. Building a Foundation for Future Growth
Finally, their MVP development is not just about the immediate product; it’s about laying a foundation for your startup’s future growth. They ensure the MVP is scalable and adaptable, ready to evolve as your business grows.
Conclusion
Building an MVP for your following software product is crucial for its short- and long-term success. An MVP will not only save you money but will also save you time that you would otherwise waste on features and functionalities that users may not need the product to have.
Make sure you go through all the stages of building an MVP that we have shared. Keep in mind that the exact tasks to be executed at each stage may vary based on the product you are building.
If you’re looking to hire skilled developers to build your MVP, you can get in touch with the team.