What is an MVP?
An MVP, or Minimum Viable Product, is the simplest version of a new product that only contains the most basic functions. This minimal version is enough to satisfy the first users and collect valuable feedback.
The main goal of an MVP is to get to market as quickly as possible and test how the product is received by users. By collecting feedback, companies can gradually improve the product without investing large resources from the start. An MVP is a powerful tool for efficiently testing and improving new products.
Usage and Target Audience
MVP development for startups is crucial for validating assumptions about the market and user needs. However, established companies also use MVPs to quickly and efficiently test new ideas.
Who uses an MVP?
- Startups: Small, newly founded companies looking to quickly and cost-effectively test innovative ideas.
- Established companies: Companies looking to develop new products or features without taking on large risks.
- Product teams: Teams within larger organizations looking to accelerate the market entry of new products.
- Investors: Funders looking to monitor the progress and market acceptance of a product before making larger investments.
Development and Benefits of an MVP
The development time of an MVP app varies depending on the complexity of the product. It can range from a few weeks to months. This short development time allows companies to quickly respond to market changes and make adjustments before making large investments. Tip: When developing your MVP, focus on the absolutely necessary functions so that the product provides a minium viable experience. This helps keep costs low while still bringing a functional product to market quickly. The development of an MVP typically starts at several tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the scope and complexity of the idea.
The main advantage of an MVP compared to long development cycles is speed and agility. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Quick Market Launch: Companies can get to market faster, generating revenue early.
- Risk Minimization: Early testing and feedback collection help avoid missteps, saving time and money.
- Better Understanding of User Needs: An MVP helps understand the actual needs of users and improve the product accordingly.
- Iterative Improvements: With continuous feedback, companies can gradually improve the product and address user wishes.
What Types of MVP Apps Are There?
Web-App
Web apps are particularly suitable when you want to reach a broad target group with lower entry barriers, as they are accessible via a web browser, do not require installation in the app store, and save storage space. In addition, updates are immediately available to all users because the web app is hosted on a central server.
Based on the React framework, Next.js enables the creation of fast and high-performing web apps. This technology offers excellent SEO (search engine optimization), which helps the web app to be found better in search engines.
Mobile-App
Mobile apps are the better choice if you need features that access the device's hardware directly, such as the camera, microphone, or motion sensors. Also, if you want to use push notifications to inform users in real-time and make your app usable offline, a mobile app is recommended.
React Native allows for a single codebase to be used for both iOS and Android. This leads to faster and more cost-effective development as a separate development team is not required for each platform.
Successful MVP apps
Airbnb: Starting with a simple MVP
In 2007, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia were facing a financial crunch and had a simple idea: they created a basic website where they rented out their own apartment in San Francisco during a major conference when many hotels were fully booked. The MVP was merely a simple website with photos of their apartment and a booking option.
The response was positive: three guests booked a night. This simple MVP confirmed that there was a demand for short-term and personal accommodations. This was the starting signal for today's global company that has revolutionized the vacation rental market.
MOTOMETA: How an MVP lays the foundation for continuous improvements
Using the example of MOTOMETA, a web application for motorcycle buyers, it is also shown how an MVP can be effectively used. The first version of the application focused on the essentials: an interactive web app that helps users find the ideal motorcycle through a series of questions. This version included a simple, user-friendly interface, a basic database of motorcycle models, and an algorithm that provided suitable recommendations based on user responses.
The approach of starting with an MVP made it possible to bring the product to market quickly. The subsequent user feedback was crucial in determining the direction for further development of the product. Based on user behavior and analyses, new features could be introduced, existing errors corrected, and the user experience optimized.
Since the MVP, we have been continuously working on MOTOMETA and further developing the application. We are adding new features, optimizing existing processes and ensuring that the user experience is constantly improved in order to make the platform an even more valuable tool for motorcycle enthusiasts.
If you also have an innovative idea and want to develop an MVP to quickly test your idea in the market and continue to grow, feel free to contact us! We help you make your vision a reality.