MVP: The Importance of Developing a Minimum Viable Product

When you scroll through your favorite mobile applications on your phone or use business software to be more productive at work, it‘s easy to forget that these products all started in the same way …  a simple idea that evolved over time.

Before Snapchat became the number one app for social media enthusiasts, it was the brainchild of a Stanford University deserter who rejected the internet’s status quo of permanency. The cultural phenomenon, Pokémon GO, would be nonexistent if not for combining its developer’s previously laid framework with the popular Pokémon cartoon from the mid-90s. Google Maps would not exist if the search giant’s founders had decided to pursue a school project other than creating Google.

All great applications, regardless of their purpose and design, are crafted by practicing the fundamental concept of continuous iteration, resulting in the creation of a Minimum Viable Product or MVP.

What is a Minimum Viable Product?

A Minimum Viable Product, commonly referred to as an “MVP,” is defined as a “development technique in which a new software product or mobile app is developed with sufficient features to satisfy early adopters.” On a more basic level, it means that a piece of software is launched with the intention of monitoring user feedback and implementing updates that improve the software later on.

Why You Should Develop with MVP in Mind

Here are several key reasons why you should develop an MVP…

1. Reduce your likelihood of failure.

While there is no fool-proof way to avoid failure, you can minimize the likelihood of catastrophe. Cutting back on the amount of launch-day features will reduce the potential of scope creep, or the act of losing sight of a project’s original goals. Instead, you are able to focus on the needs of your intended customers (UI/UX)and the technology you wish to provide them.

2. Promotes future growth.

If your customers enjoy your mobile app, there’s a strong chance that they will eventually want/expect even more from what you are able to offer on day one. Adopting the MVP philosophy gives you the opportunity to impress your audience on launch day while empowering you to delight them for many updates to come. Keep in mind that the developers on today’s mobile app stores have groomed consumers to expect frequent software updates; an MVP strategy will prepare you to keep up with the competition, big or small.

3. Building a Minimum Viable Product is easier!

Even the most successful developers must deliver applications within a specified budget and timeframe. By allowing you to focus your attention on the initial design and a few great features, the MVP ideology will inevitably help you get your app to market faster while spending the least amount of money.  The sooner your product is available to the public, the sooner it will begin to generate a viable revenue stream for you, thus giving you better capital to invest in future updates.

An MVP is Not an Excuse to Slack Off

By this point, you understand that an MVP embraces the “less is more” approach to development. However, keep in mind that although a Minimum Viable Product is designed to be improved upon as time goes by, it is not an excuse to release a “half-baked” piece of software or mobile app.

Your MVP should be as clean and functional as possible. A sloppy first release can actually deter users from your product, while a great first effort can attract more users, thus providing a larger pool of feedback for future updates. The idea is to find the sweet spot between offering “just enough” but not the whole kit and caboodle.

The Bottom Line … Build an MVP to Deliver the Best Mobile App or Software Product

Building a Minimum Viable Product is going to increase the chances for success on your mobile app product or software project. If you want it to succeed, avoid launching a full-featured application right out of the gate. This way, your app will have much more opportunity to grow and even thrive throughout the foreseeable future.

If you would like to learn more about the MVP process or have questions about mobile app and software design and development, Swip Systems is here for you. We love to help great ideas turn into products, so give us a call, 877.377.SWIP, or contact us here.