By developing custom software in the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) model, you can verify your initial business assumptions and collect valuable opinions about the product, without the need to build the entire system. 

What are the other benefits of building software in the MVP model, what are the process steps, and how much does it cost to create it?   

What is software in the MVP model and what benefits does it bring? 

As part of the custom software development services for our Clients, SOFTIQ also offers the possibility of creating an initial version of the product in the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) model. 

MPV is an initial software version, created with a minimum set of key functionalities, thanks to which it is possible to check the assumptions from the software design stage, as well as to collect the first opinions of users. 

The development of the MPV is an important element in the process of building the final system, as opposed to the traditional approach in which the system is created first, and then feedback from users is collected. 

The main benefits of developing software in the MVP model include: 

• savings in time and resources – thanks to the quick verification of initial concepts, further development of the project can be properly planned, thus saving time and money, 
• quick feedback – in the case of some projects, the functional version of the MVP can be created in just a few weeks, giving you the opportunity to quickly collect user feedback and make a decision on further development of the project, 
• getting to know the needs of users – MVP allows you to assess what functionalities will be useful at a later stage of project development, as well as how to properly plan future marketing activities, 
• risk mitigation – thanks to the possibility of testing initial concepts, measuring the level of interest in the product, and early detection of potential problems, the risk associated with the development of the software in the classic model is significantly reduced. 

The success of the software development process is influenced by many factors, and its creation is associated with the need for a large investment. For this reason, every opportunity to minimize the risk of failure is invaluable.  

This is what developing an MVP version is all about – minimizing risk. 

Additional benefits of developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) software version. 

As we already know, a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a software version that has just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future development.  

Here are additional benefits of creating an MVP version of the software: 

1. Reduced Development Costs: By creating an MVP, development costs are reduced as only the essential features are included. 

2. Faster Time to Market: An MVP can be developed more quickly than a full-featured product, allowing businesses to get their product to market faster. 

3. Ability to Pivot: An MVP provides businesses with the ability to pivot if the initial product idea is not successful. 

4. Improved Investor Confidence: An MVP can improve investor confidence by demonstrating that the business has tested its product with real customers and has received positive feedback. 

5. Improved Marketing Strategy: An MVP can help businesses develop a better marketing strategy by providing feedback on what features are most important to customers. 

6. Opportunity for Early Revenue: An MVP provides an opportunity for businesses to generate early revenue by selling the product to early adopters. 

How to build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) software version? 

To build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) software version for our Customers, in SOFTIQ we follow these steps: 

1. Identify the core features: Determine what features are essential for the software to function and provide value to the user. This will help you create a lean and focused MVP. 

2. Create a user flow: Map out the user journey and how they interact with the software. This will help you identify any potential roadblocks or areas for improvement. 

3. Choose the right technology stack: Select the appropriate programming languages, frameworks, and tools to build your MVP. Consider factors such as scalability, ease of use, and cost. 

4. Develop a prototype: Build a basic version of your software that includes the core features identified in step one. This prototype should be functional and allow users to test and provide feedback. 

5. Test and iterate: Collect feedback from users and make improvements based on their input. Continue to refine the MVP until it meets the needs of your target audience. 

6. Launch: Once you have a functional MVP that meets the needs of your target audience, launch it to the public and continue to collect feedback for future iterations. 

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when building an MVP? 

When building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can hinder the success of your product.  

Here you can find a list of the most common mistakes: 

1. Building too many features: An MVP should have only the essential features required to solve the customer’s problem. Building too many features can lead to unnecessary complexity and cost. 

2. Not validating the idea: Before building an MVP, it’s crucial to validate the idea with potential customers to ensure that there is a market for the product. 

3. Ignoring user feedback: User feedback is essential when building an MVP. Ignoring user feedback can lead to a product that doesn’t meet the needs of the target audience. 

4. Not defining the target audience: Knowing your target audience is critical when building an MVP. Without a clear understanding of who your product is for, it’s challenging to create a product that resonates with them. 

5. Not considering scalability: While an MVP should be simple, it’s essential to consider scalability from the beginning. Building a product that can’t scale can lead to significant problems down the road. 

6. Not prioritizing security: Security should be a priority when building an MVP. Ignoring security can lead to data breaches and other security-related issues. 

7. Not testing the product thoroughly: Thoroughly testing the product is essential when building an MVP. Not doing so can lead to significant bugs and other issues. 

8. Not having a clear marketing strategy: A clear marketing strategy is essential when building an MVP. Without one, it’s challenging to attract potential customers to your product. 

Of course, each of the mistakes would have a different meaning in the development process, but each of them should be considered and avoided.  

What are the costs of MVP Development services?

According to industry data, building an application in the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) model can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000. However, the exact cost of building an MVP application depends on various factors such as the complexity of the application, the number of features, the technology stack used, and the location of the development team. 
 
The cost breakdown for building an MVP application typically includes expenses related to: 

• designing,  
• developing,  
• testing,  
• and deploying the application.  

The design phase includes creating wireframes, user interface design, and prototyping.  

The development phase involves coding and integrating features into the application. 

Testing ensures that the application is free from bugs and glitches before deployment. 

Finally, deployment involves launching the application on servers or app stores. 
 
It is important to note that building an MVP application is just the first step in the software development process. Once the MVP is launched, additional features and functionalities can be added based on user feedback and market demand. Therefore, it is crucial to allocate a budget for ongoing maintenance and updates to keep the application relevant and competitive. 

The cost of an MVP software version can vary depending on several factors such as the complexity of the project, the technology used, and the team’s location.  

Here are 6 examples of MVP software versions and their costs based on known case studies: 

1. Buffer: Buffer’s MVP was developed in just seven weeks and cost around $5000. The platform had limited features, including scheduling and posting to social media accounts. 

2. Groupon: Groupon’s MVP was developed in just two months and cost around $15,000. The platform had limited features, including daily deals and email marketing. 

3. Dropbox: Dropbox is a cloud-based storage platform that started as an MVP with limited features. The estimated cost of developing the MVP was around $15,000. 

4. Airbnb – Airbnb’s MVP was developed in just a few weeks and cost around $20,000. The platform had limited features, including a simple search function and messaging system. 

5. Zappos – Zappos’ MVP was developed in just three months and cost around $50,000. The platform had limited features, including online shoe sales and free shipping. 

6. Slack – Slack’s MVP was developed in just four months and cost around $50,000. The platform had limited features, including messaging and file sharing. 

If you want to find out what would be the cost of developing the MVP version for your project, we encourage you to contact our consultants who will be able to prepare a detailed quote for you.

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