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How and why to build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, transforming an idea into a tangible, market-ready product is a journey filled with challenges and crucial decisions. One of the pivotal steps during this stage is the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

At Kyan, we specialise in developing large-scale MVPs, and we recognise that they come in all sizes. So, it's essential to find an agency that can not only create this MVP for you, but align with your project's vision and its scale.

Because MVPs vary in size and requirements, it's important to understand that the cost of building an MVP starts by recognising that there's no "one-size-fits-all" answer. With over two decades of experience working with innovators like Sage, Wella, ITVX and Premier League we've observed firsthand that each MVP is unique, influenced by its complexity and technology requirements.

Every MVP is different: Identifying your needs

MVPs vary significantly – from a basic marketing site designed to test consumer interest to a fully functioning first-phase product equipped with core features ready for market launch.

At Kyan, we understand that the diversity in MVPs stems from their very nature; they are the simplest form of your product that still delivers value. However, "simple" doesn't necessarily mean "easy." The features you decide to include, the technology stack, design intricacies, and user experience all contribute to the complexity of the MVP. This complexity, in turn, affects the cost.

Before embarking on MVP development, it's crucial to think about what an MVP means for your project. Is your goal to gauge consumer interest with a marketing site, or are you aiming to launch a fully functioning product that showcases the core features? Your answer will guide the development process and help you select the digital partner for your needs.

Choosing the right partner

Beware of agencies offering a flat rate for MVP development. Such proposals often fail to consider the unique aspects of your project, potentially leading to a product that doesn't align with your vision or market needs. Moreover, this approach invariably leads to unexpected costs as the project progresses. As specialists in large-scale MVP development, Kyan focuses on ensuring that our clients' visions are accurately brought to life, regardless of the project's size.

The Triple Diamond Framework: A path to clarity and precision

To navigate the intricacies of MVP development and ensure transparent and accurate costing, we've developed our own tailored version of the Triple Diamond framework. This structured methodology, which we've called "the Kyan Product Framework", allows us to deeply explore the project's scope, engage with stakeholders, and refine the product vision through three distinct phases: Discover, Definition and Production.

By adopting this approach, we ensure a thorough exploration of every MVP aspect. This not only prevents unexpected costs but also ensures that the final product aligns closely with the client's vision and their market needs.

Here's Kyan CEO and co-founder, Laurent, with an introduction to our framework...

 

 

Whether you're a startup entrepreneur looking to disrupt the market or an established corporation aiming to innovate, understanding the true cost of building an MVP is crucial. It's not just about finding an agency that can write code and design; it's about partnering with a team that grasps the nuances of digital product development and guides you through the process with transparency and expertise.

With Kyan's extensive experience and our own product framework, we're not just developing products, we're preparing the infrastructure for the future of your project.

To gain a deeper insight into our projects and our framework, we invite you to visit our YouTube channel. There, you'll find case studies and interviews showcasing our methodology's power in bringing briefs to life, ensuring a successful transition from concept to market-ready product.

 

Previously from Amy:

What to look for in a technology agency
10 minutes with Duncan, Kyan’s in-house AI evangelist