How to Plan a Minimum Viable Product: a Step-By-Step easy to follow Guide
For those just venturing into the world of mobile app development, MVP (minimum viable product) is a term you should familiarize yourself with fairly quickly. Not only will an MVP assist in validating your idea for a mobile product, but it will also provide direction towards which app features you should include to achieve success.
So what does all this mean? An MVP is all about testing your idea and discovering what will work to properly target your customer. This article serves as a step-by-step guide that will provide you with a basic understanding of how to plan a minimum viable product.
What is an MVP?
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Identify the user
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Identify the Actions (Jobs)
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Identify the Story Endings
Step 3: Create a pain and gain map
25 Tips For Improving Your Software Development Process
Domains, architecture, and design
Languages, tools, and advancing from beginner to intermediate
Code readability and maintainability
Technical debt, code coverage, and process
Soft skills and productivity
Finally
How to Create a Mobile App Startup
#1 Find a problem to solve
What problem does the mobile app startup solve?
Does anyone actually want this app?
#2 Choose the platform
Target your users
Programming languages
Time and cost
#3 Raise funds
Angel or seed funding
Bootstrapping
Bank loans
Crowdfunding
#4 Prepare a perfect pitch deck
#5 Build an MVP to test your idea
- An affordable core product
- User feedback
- Quick market launch
- Product ready for presentation to possible investors
#6 Promotion
Social media marketing
YouTube
Influencers
- Celebrities
- Industry experts
- Popular bloggers
- Micro-influencers
- Address niche influencers in your sphere
- Create unique promotional materials
- Prioritize platforms
- Set clear goals and expectations, e.g. to increase engagement or expand reach
- Add individual hashtags to monitor and measure the success of ad campaigns
- Provide influencers with clear guidelines of how to promote your brand
ASO
- App name, URL, and subtitle. All these attributes must reflect the idea of your app and include the main keywords that refer to your app.
- Keywords. This is the crucial attribute in terms of optimizing your app in search results. Research keywords in user search queries and fill in this field thoroughly.
- Ratings and reviews. Ratings and reviews are not only a deciding factor for the majority of users but a ranking signal for app stores. The number of reviews, recent votes, and positive ratings matters. Motivate your users to leave regular reviews, and don’t forget to reply to them.
Over to you
The Lean Approach in Web Development
You’ve probably heard about the Lean Startup methodology, which describes how to release products in less time and with lower budgets. In this article, we explain how a web application development company can take advantage of the lean approach and its fundamental principles to build better software products and avoid wasting valuable resources.
Is the Lean Startup only for startups?
Even though the name of this methodology includes the word startup, it isn’t used only by startups. This approach can be adopted whenever there’s extreme uncertainty (a concept suggested by Eric Ries) concerning the target audience’s needs. And a company doesn’t necessarily have to be a small startup. When it comes to web application development, a large company can adopt Lean Startup principles to build new products too. As we can see, the Lean Startup works best for building high-risk products.
A central concept of the Lean Startup is the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop. The point is to develop a product quickly and put it into users’ hands to receive feedback. This feedback is then analyzed to discover what features customers actually want and to let the company see if the product has demand. This approach helps companies make data-driven decisions. If there’s demand for a product, it can be improved further. Then the process is repeated to receive user feedback on the new features. If there’s no demand for a particular product, it can be redesigned according to the market need.
This approach helps entrepreneurs avoid situations when they spend years building a new product only to discover that nobody wants to use it. The Lean Startup methodology helps companies avoid adding unnecessary features and spending more resources than a product actually requires.
How does the Lean Startup approach work with software development?
There are some fundamental principles of the Lean Startup that can be used in software development. They include building a minimum viable product (MVP), A/B testing, and using validated learning. Let’s see how these practices can help when developing software products.
Minimum viable product
An MVP is a prototype that includes only key features. As Eric Ries notes, an MVP is about getting validated learning with the least effort. So the main goal here is to release a basic model of a product in order to get and analyze user feedback. This will help you realize what changes you need to make to improve your product. With an MVP, you can start learning and adapt your product to users’ needs as early as possible.
However, building an MVP shouldn’t be taken too lightly. An MVP should be good enough to let users see the potential of your product. It’s easier to find early adopters when you offer a high-quality and usable product.
Things to remember about an MVP:
-> It should include only the most necessary features.
-> It should provide enough value to demonstrate future benefit in order to retain early adopters.
-> It should help to gather user feedback.
-> Lots of today’s influential tech companies have managed to create popular products by developing MVPs first.
For example, the founders of Buffer ‒ a social media scheduler ‒ started their business by testing whether people needed their product. To find out what people thought of their idea, they launched a two-page website, keeping it as simple as possible. It was just a landing page explaining what the app would do. After discovering that people were interested, the Buffer founders needed to find out if people were ready to pay for their product. So they added a page with pricing. Then they analyzed the results and moved on to building the first version of the product.
A/B testing
The concept of A/B testing lies in offering several versions of a product to users at the same time. A/B testing can show if a change, even a slight one, has an impact on customer behavior. And if it does, you can measure how big of a difference it makes.
In terms of web application development, A/B testing can help to test different versions of pages to see which is more effective. The result can be analyzed by calculating the conversion rate or other metrics depending on your goal.
The aim of an A/B test is to check a hypothesis and measure which version of a product works best.
Upworthy, a viral content portal, turned to A/B testing to test layouts and designs for recommended content on their news and media website. They wanted to provide users with recommended content but were afraid it would decrease the number of social shares. Upworthy took a two-step approach to check that assumption. First, they tested out seven different layouts with their users. Once they found which one performed best, they moved on to the second phase, testing different designs. As a result, they found out that with a right sidebar and a minimalist design, Upworthy could increase social shares by 28 percent.
Validated learning
Building an MVP and performing A/B testing leads to what’s called validated learning. An essential part of the Lean Startup methodology, validated learning helps with making data-driven decisions.
The process of validating product-related ideas is iterative, where testing one idea is one iteration. Results are measured by metrics. Validated learning happens when ideas and features are improved and there’s a positive change in metrics. Website features and their impacts can be tested by tracking visitor behavior.
Spotify, for instance, created an MVP and iterated, taking into account user feedback they gathered to improve the product. This approach helped them realize what their customers wanted and avoid risks.
The Dropbox founders adopted the Lean Startup methodology at the very beginning. They first made a demo video explaining how their product would work. This video helped them generate interest at the early stage, engage users in the development, and learn how to improve the product. For Dropbox, the key to success was giving customers the exact product they wanted.
Pivot or persevere
When you test a concept, there are basically two outcomes. In the first case, you find out there’s a need for the product. So it makes sense to persevere with the same idea and keep on improving it. In the other case, you discover there’s no need for this particular product. That means you need to pivot to test another hypothesis, repeating the Build-Measure-Learn loop.
There are several options when it comes to pivoting. For instance, having analyzed feedback, you might need to consider building the entire product around a single feature. This is called a zoom-in pivot. Sending money by email became this feature for PayPal. When they discovered that their customers preferred using email for payments, they did a zoom-in pivot.
A zoom-out pivot is in the opposite direction, making an existing product one of the features of a new bigger product. There are other options you can opt for as well. It all depends on what you discover during the process of validated learning. For instance, you might need to consider changing the problem you address, targeting different customers, or changing the technology you’re using.
It can be a difficult decision to make. But sometimes it’s necessary to look for a better way to reach your goal. In any case, your decision to pivot or persevere should be based on data, not an assumption.
Why use the Lean Startup in web development?
As you can see, the Lean Startup methodology can help entrepreneurs see if they’re on the right path. Using the principles of this methodology enables you to determine if a particular feature is worth spending time and money on.
Implementing Lean Startup practices can help you:
-> Understand if there’s a need for your product
-> Get feedback in order to improve your product, meet your target customers’ needs, and maintain loyalty
-> Avoid adding unnecessary features and wasting resources
-> Develop your product faster
Content Source: https://rubygarage.org/blog/web-development-lean-approach
What’s the Best Tech Stack for Mobile App Development?
Native app development
Technology stack for iOS apps in 2020
Programming languages: Objective-C, Swift
Toolkit: Apple Xcode
SDK: iOS SDK
Android technology stack in 2020
Programming languages: Java, Kotlin
Toolkit: Android Studio & Android Developer Tools
SDK: Android SDK
Cross-platform app development
Technology stack for cross-platform apps
React Native + JavaScript/TypeScript
Xamarin + C#
Hybrid app development
Technology stack for hybrid apps
Cordova/PhoneGap
Ionic
Factors to consider when choosing a technology stack
Type of project
Validating an idea
Time to market
Wrapping up
Web Application Development - Guides, Resources, and Best Practices
Technologies
Below are some common Client Side Scripting technologies:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
- JavaScript
- Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML)
- jQuery (JavaScript Framework Library - commonly used in Ajax development)
- MooTools (JavaScript Framework Library - commonly used in Ajax development)
- Dojo Toolkit (JavaScript Framework Library - commonly used in Ajax development)
Below are the common Server Side Scripting technologies:
- PHP (very common Server Side Scripting language - Linux / Unix based Open Source - free redistribution, usually combines with MySQL database)
- Zend Framework (PHP's Object Oriented Web Application Framework)
- ASP (Microsoft Web Server (IIS) Scripting language)
- ASP.NET (Microsoft's Web Application Framework - successor of ASP)
- ColdFusion (Adobe's Web Application Framework)
- Ruby on Rails (Ruby programming's Web Application Framework - free redistribution)
- Perl (general purpose high-level programming language and Server Side Scripting Language - free redistribution - lost its popularity to PHP)
- Python (general purpose high-level programming language and Server Side Scripting language - free redistribution)
Program Libraries
Web Application Frameworks
Web Application Frameworks - Benefits and Advantages
- Program actions and logic are separated from the HTML, CSS and design files. This helps designers (without any programming experience) to be able to edit the interface and make design changes without help from a programmer.
- Builds are based on the module, libraries and tools, allowing programmers to easily share libraries and implement complex functionalities and features in a fast and efficient manner.
- The structure helps produce best practice coding with consistent logic and coding standards, and provides other developers the ability to become familiar with the code in a short time.
Coding Guidelines, Standards & Convention
Important benefits of using Coding Guidelines
- Creates the best environment for multiple programmers to work on the same project
- Provides ease of maintainability and version management
- Delivers better readability and understanding of the source code
- Insures that other developers can understand and become familiar with the code in a short time
Web Applications Lifecycle Model
Some companies follow a certain standard model such as SDLC (System Development Life Cycle) or Agile Software Development Model.
- SDLC is the traditional process of developing software or web applications by including research to identify and define the application requirements, information analysis, architectural design and specifications blueprint, team involvement, programming, testing and bug fixing, system testing, implementation and maintenance.
- Agile Software / Web Application Development is the iterative development process and development process practices that focus on collaboration of people involved and provide a better procedure to allow revisions and evolution of web application requirements. Agile methodology includes research, analysis, project management, design, programming, implementation, frequent testing, adaptation and maintenance.
Web Application Development Process
- Roadmap Document: Defining Web Application, Purpose, Goals and Direction
- Researching and Defining Audience Scope and Security Documents
- Creating Functional Specifications or Feature Summary Document
- Team Collaboration and Project Management Document
- Technology Selection, Technical Specifications, Illustrative Diagram of Web Application Architecture and Structure, Development Methodology, Versions Control, Backups, Upgrades, Expansion and Growth Planning Document, Server Hardware / Software Selection
- Third Party Vendors Analysis and Selection (Merchant Account and Payment Gateway, SSL Certificate, Managed Server / Colocated Server Provider, Fulfillment Centers, Website Visitor Analytics Software, Third Party Checkout Systems, etc.)
- Application Visual Guide, Design Layout, Interface Design, Wire Framing
- Database Structure Design and Web Application Development
- Testing: Quality Assurance, Multiple Browser Compatibility, Security, Performance - Load and Stress Testing, Usability
- Maintenance
Web Application Testing
- Quality Assurance and Bug Testing
- Multiple Browser Compatibility
- Application Security
- Performance - Load and Stress Testing
- Usability
Trends and Popularity
If planned and built correctly, web applications can:
- Reach and service millions of consumers and businesses
- Generate substantial, multi-layer / multi-category income from consumers, businesses and advertisers
- Easily build business goodwill and assets based on audience reach, popularity, technology and potential growth
Below are good reasons for companies to build web applications:
- Companies want to streamline their internal departments and functions, operations, sales and project management, etc.
- Companies want to take advantage of a web based application's flexibility and versatility, by moving away from the traditional desktop application platform to the web application platform
- Companies want to gain more clients or better service their current clients by offering convenient services and solutions online
- Companies want to build new web applications to offer innovative services or solutions to online users and businesses
Business Impact
- There are opportunities to gain the upper hand and bypass the traditional brick and mortar companies when this type of opportunity was rarely possible or existed before the explosion of the web
- The new web created a global business environment which challenges the way in which traditional companies do business
- Companies need to reinvent and evolve in order to compete in today's trends, online business and global marketplace
- Businesses and consumers have more options and resources to research and easily compare and shop around for the best deals
- Information and resources are immense and available to everyone who seeks it
- Businesses or companies who used to profit from consulting or advice, that can now be easily acquired online are struggling, and will need to take a new business direction if they want to stay solvent.
5 Ways Mobile Apps Can Help You Grow Your Business
Times have truly changed and it’s imperative for any business to quickly adapt with the latest technological developments. Noticeably, iPhone apps and other mobile applications are taking the world by storm. And majority of smart, forward-thinking entrepreneurs are taking advantage of this mobile apps phenomenon to further improve their business. Here are 5 ways mobile apps can help you grow your business:
1. Boost branding – Since your company’s logo and or slogan are visible on your customers’ mobile screens, it’s virtually impossible not to remember you whenever they need your products/services. It also offers a definite advantage against your competitors who are yet to adopt this business strategy. If you want an instant brand boost or recognition, creating a mobile application is a great way to help improve your corporate branding and overall reputation.
2. Improve customer service experience – Your customers can benefit from being able to access your products/services anytime they want and while on the fly. This is especially true if you don’t have a help line that’s available 24/7. Your app can include a feature where they can contact you day or night, and without necessarily going to your website.
3. Act as a marketing tool – More than just an application, a mobile app can double as a valuable marketing tool. How? It can be easily integrated with Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and other social media sites. That means, with a single tap, customers can share with their network your app and or their experience with your company, which can then offer you free publicity. Plus, using push notification, you can quickly send upcoming promotions or special events to your customers and prospects.
4. Acquire more customers – Keep in mind that today’s consumers are constantly moving and are addicted to their mobile devices. Undoubtedly, they would appreciate a useful and engaging mobile app from your company. If your app helps them save or kill time or is just that awesome, they would even refer you to their friends and family.
5. Generate more income – A mobile application with order fulfillment ability can readily provide another revenue channel, aside from your website and or brick and mortar store. For example, functionality to make restaurant reservations, book concert tickets, buy goods and services, etc. are possible with a few taps/clicks. But wait, there’s more! You can also earn by charging app users when they upgrade, or by offering in-app advertisements, etc.
Unfortunately, many business owners are yet to recognize the huge potential benefits of mobile applications in terms of boosting productivity, efficiency, competitive edge and user experience. Been pondering how you can possibly grow your business? Mobile apps just might be the answer. See: Android app development uk and around the world by GoodCore Software.
Content Source: https://www.biznessapps.com/blog/5-ways-mobile-apps-can-help-you-grow-your-business/