What Is a Minimum Viable Product?
A minimum viable product (MVP) usually refers to software; it’s a product that has the smallest number of features possible while still addressing a user need. Rather than packing an app full of extra features and impressive performance potential, you’ll focus on cutting out the features you don’t need and keeping your app lean.
There are many benefits to this approach, including:
Launch speed
Simpler apps launch faster—it’s that simple. If you’re building an MVP, you’ll put together a prototype and go live in a shorter amount of time. That means a faster path to getting funding, generating revenue, and learning about your customers.
App complexity
Minimum viable products have fewer moving parts (so to speak), so there’s less room for things to go wrong. MVP development is a way to decrease your risks.
Early testing
Sometimes, developers don’t realize the issues with an idea until they’re already weeks into development. But with MVP development, you’ll have the opportunity for early testing and reconsidering, so you can end up with a better product.
Cost
MVP development is faster, and it requires fewer resources, so of course, it costs less; this is ideal if your primary goal is profitability.
The Core Tenets of MVP Services
High-quality minimum viable product developers will focus on these main priorities:
Problem-solving
A minimum viable product still must be “viable,” meaning it should effectively solve some kind of problem.
Minimalism
The app should also be as light and agile as possible, with only the features it truly needs to work. Superfluous or unnecessary features should be cut or saved for later.
Functionality
Minimalism is no excuse for taking shortcuts. MVP software products still need to be consistently functional, with no bugs or technical issues to stand in the way of their effectiveness.
Flexibility/scalability
A product may launch with minimalism, but it needs room to grow and evolve over time. MVPs should be developed with flexibility and scalability in mind.
How We Build Functional Apps Fast
At DEV.co, we develop MVP apps with the following agile process:
Discovery and strategy
Before we can start developing, we need to know what problems you’re trying to solve. Together, we’ll learn more about your brand, your objectives, and we’ll set a strategy for the future.
Prototyping
From there, we immediately move into prototyping. We’ll design and develop a framework that accomplishes your goals.
Refinement and testing
We’ll move directly into refinement and testing, with the goal of launching as quickly as possible.
Launch and ongoing support
After launch, we’ll provide maintenance and updates as needed, and we can discuss the future possibilities for your app.
Our Development
Process
Understanding
Background details
Vision & values
Target personas
Stakeholder insights
Research
Customer research
Competitive analysis
Expert audits & insights
Current market positioning
Strategy
Story & personality
Market opportunities
Positioning & messaging
Creative brief development
Creative
Naming
Logo development
Graphics standards
Verify function
Messaging framework
Deliver
Brand book & styleguide
Print integration
Online & mobile
Further brand extension
Contact With DEV.CO
Want to design a minimum viable product (MVP) for your startup?
Or do you need to launch some new software as quickly as possible?
Contact DEV.co today for a free quote, or a free consultation!