MVP is a word that you might be aware of if you work in mobile app development. Not only does it validates our product ideas but it also gives us a clear idea as to which features should be included in the app. So basically you can say that an MVP is a great way of testing your idea and also targeting your consumer base.
In this article, we have tried to explain to you, a step-by-step guide to everything related to MVP development. But before that, let’s dive into what MVP really is.
What is an MVP?
MVP stands for Minimum Viable Product. So we can say that it is the minimal form of your product that is tested in the market. This key development strategy gives validation to your product assumptions and also provides you with an idea about how your target users react and experience your product’s core functionality.
This methodology also helps you in the allocation of budget for your overall business goals. Building an MVP is an iterative cycle intended to recognize client problem areas so that you can solve those issues over time. MVP development is based on a build-measure-learn process. It allows you to create a product that can be constantly improved according to the users.
Why do we need MVP?
MVP lets you develop a valuable product quickly and at lower costs. Developing an MVP is helpful in so many ways. Not only will you be able to learn about your end-user but also be able to recognize the market you wish to enter as you test your assumptions. It can also help you acquire funds for your business as it proves the potential of your product. An MVP will also set the stage for future iterations of development and clarify the sequential steps to take in the project – whether that’s changing directions entirely, or continuing down your set development path.
With this in mind let’s find out how to develop a successful MVP for your business. Following is the step-by-step guide to MVP development.
Step 1: Identifying your business and market needs
The first step for a successful MVP development process is to start by finding out the need for your product in the given market. It can be anything ranging from an organizational need to a client need. Also, you need to analyze your competitors and their products. This way you will be able to recognize the key features of your own product and how to make it stand out from the crowd.
Step 2: Mapping out the user journey
For any business, it is essential to keep their users in mind while creating their product. In order to ensure a good user experience for the first iteration of your app, it’s important to map out the user journeys. By doing this you will get a deep insight into user perspective beginning with opening the app to reaching an end goal, like making a purchase. This way you can design your app in a way it is good and easy to use. Also, defining user flow and addressing the actions users need to take in order to complete an end goal, makes sure you don’t miss anything while keeping user satisfaction in mind.
Step 3: Creating a map for your product
So now that the user flow has been taken care of, next comes the map. You now have to create a pain and gain map for different actions. This map will include all the user pain points and solutions for them. Through this strategy, you will be able to locate the greatest potential of your product and you can add much more value to it. This way you will be able to focus the MVP on these potential areas and leave the rest for future releases.
Step 4: Deciding and prioritizing the features
Finally, by the last stage, you will be able to distinguish the impactful features from the rest. So you can include them in your MVP and leave out the less impactful ones for the future roadmap of your product. The simplest way to determine the strong features is by creating a chart for user wants vs. user needs. Also, one thing you should always keep in mind is that if you add too many user-requested features too soon it can be a blow for your product. So in order to keep the user experience intact, add only the features that add value to your product’s overall goal.
Conclusion
When you successfully launch an MVP, don’t forget to collect user feedback. That way you will be able to know the errors and weaknesses of your product. It will further help you in ensuring market validation and squeeze out new ideas from user behavior. And subsequently, you will be able to reshape your product over time. The bottom line is you should keep on testing, learning, and measuring your product till the time it is finalized. There is no end to improvement!
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