MVP Development
Launch Plan, Skills, Investments
With 33 years in IT and over 3,300+ successful projects, ScienceSoft builds high-quality MVPs to help companies promptly roll out key software features, test new initiatives and get quick payback.
Minimum Viable Product Development: The Essence
A minimum viable product (MVP) is the earliest shippable software version. Usually, it contains only the essential feature set and has just enough appeal to strike a chord with your target audience. The key goal of MVP development is to receive valuable input from users and start getting payback early on. Once an MVP is launched, it can be gradually upgraded with new features until it becomes a full-fledged app.
- Delivery time: from 2 weeks to 8 months, with the development stage taking from 2–5 days (for no-code/low-code development) to 6 months (for code-based development).
- Costs: $40,000–300,000+, which can amount to 10–50% of the total software cost. Learn more about average MVP development costs in the dedicated section below.
ScienceSoft designs and builds high-quality MVPs for 30+ industries and is ready to provide comprehensive consulting services at any stage of your MVP development project.
MVP vs. Prototype vs. PoC: What’s the Difference?
Proof of Concept (PoC)
A small project (in the form of a simple software demo, a hard-coded piece of tricky functionality, or just a document) that is aimed to prove that your idea is implementable in real life. UX/UI design is not the goal here – the main focus is on the tech side.
Target audience: a tech team, project owners.
Key purpose: To verify the tech feasibility of a project.
Prototype
An interactive representation of the future product design that demonstrates major user flows and software layout.
Target audience: project stakeholders.
Key purpose: To test the ‘look and feel’ of the app, refine the UX/UI before the actual coding.
MVP
A fully functional product that contains just enough functionality to be released to the market.
Target audience: end users.
Key purpose: To start gathering user feedback and gaining profits early on.
How to Build a Minimum Viable Product
The number of MVP development steps and their duration will vary depending on the complexity and novelty of software and a type of a minimum viable product.
Below are described the typical steps we at ScienceSoft take to build an MVP.
Step 1. Discovery and MVP planning
(2 weeks – 1 month)
Business analysis (for products)
- Product idea generation.
- Target market, customer, and competitor research.
- Creating a product concept.
- Deciding on the monetization strategy.
- Planning a KPI dashboard for MVP.
Business analysis (for custom enterprise software)
- Identification of business needs and business process improvement options.
- Project stakeholder interviewing and analysis.
- Software idea conceptualization.
Feature road-mapping
- Feature outline for the full software version.
- Feature prioritization for the full software version based on user stories, user scenarios, prioritization techniques (e.g., Kano model, RICE method, impact-effort matrix), cost-benefit analysis, etc.
- Deciding on MVP functionality.
MVP architecture design
with attention to:
- High-level design of the final solution (if the MVP won’t be re-built in the future, but further improved in iterations).
- Performance requirements.
- Information security requirements.
- HIPAA, FDA, PCI DSS compliance (if needed).
Planning MVP integrations
with third-party systems (if needed).
Choosing a technology stack
for the optimum MVP development time, costs, efforts, and software reliability. If the MVP is to be further improved in iterations, we also keep the full software version in mind while choosing techs.
Step 2 (optional). Proof-of-Concept and Rapid Prototyping
(~2 months)
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Pavel Ilyusenko, ScienceSoft’s Head of PMO with 20+ years of experience in IT: “We recommend opting for a PoC and/or prototypes in case you need to demonstrate the software concept in a sales context, show how the software will work to your stakeholders, or check the technical feasibility of a highly innovative idea.” |
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Step 3. MVP Development Project Planning
During this stage, our team outlines:
- Project scope.
- Project deliverables.
- Project budget.
- The PM methodology (most often, one of the Agile options, e.g., Scrum, extreme programming).
- Project timeline.
- Project schedule and breakdown into iterations and deliverables.
- Project risks charter.
Step 4. MVP Development
No-code MVP development (best for a startup MVP or an ambitious SaaS MVP)
(~1-2 days)
Sometimes you can test the demand for a new product or an app’s ability to meet business requirements without actual coding and with minimum possible investments. For this, ScienceSoft uses such MVP types as:
- A ‘landing page’ MVP (for products) is the presentation of a coming-soon product on the landing page. Usually, this takes the form of a text or video, wireframes or live prototypes. Such an MVP introduces your idea to a target audience and helps evaluate the demand via requests or sign-up forms. It also helps analyze the interest in the features and prioritize the app development accordingly.
- A ‘flintstone’ MVP – advertising new software and showcasing the process automation it will be capable of, while temporarily handling the processes manually.
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Peter Manko, Senior Business Analyst at ScienceSoft with 5+ years of experience: “If a no-code MVP turns out to be successful, we at ScienceSoft immediately plan a code-based MVP not to get overwhelmed with the processes executed manually (a ‘flintstone’ MVP case) and ensure that our customers are ahead of the competition.” |
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Code-based MVP development
Two most demanded code-based MVP types:
- Single-feature MVP – implementing one key feature of future software that creates the core value.
- 'Piecemeal' MVP – creating a product/a custom application version comprising its basic features out of ready-made elements (created by you in the previous projects or available open source). Later, you are likely to update or replace the reused parts.
The development of a software-based MVP with ScienceSoft usually involves the following stages:
1
MVP UX design
(2-5 days)
Working out user personas and user journeys to make sure that future users can easily find their way around the app and quickly fulfill their tasks.
2
MVP UI design
(2-5 days)
Creating custom design of user-facing parts (buttons, menus, tabs).
Best practice: We include this stage only if the design is meant to be a competitive advantage of your app. Otherwise, we use default themes and focus on the MVP functionality to reduce the development costs and shorten the time to market.
3
MVP coding
(2-6 months)
- Back-end development to build the MVP server side and APIs.
Best practice: At ScienceSoft, we actively use many ready-to-use cloud components and services, mostly from AWS and Azure, to minimize MVP development effort and cost and streamline the delivery.
- Front-end development to transform static interface images provided by UI designers into a fully functional MVP client side, and ensure its communication with the server.
- Testing that runs in parallel with development.
As a result of this phase, ScienceSoft delivers a working MVP and supporting documentation.
Step 5. MVP Launch and Further Iterations
We deploy ready-to-use software to the production environment. In case of complex MVPs, we first move them through testing and staging environments so that the team can safely introduce the final changes or catch the remaining stealthy issues, if any, before the release.
After the release, ScienceSoft monitors how users communicate with the MVP. We:
- Validate or redefine user stories.
- Identify arising risks and update a risk management plan.
- Adjust feature(s).
When we see that the MVP gets market validation or shows positive changes in business processes, we either further evolve it or build new software from scratch to cater to the needs and expectations of a growing number of users.
Build the Right MVP with ScienceSoft
There are over 3,300 success stories in our portfolio, and each of them once started with an idea. Come to us with a concept, and we will help you turn it into a working app that is loved by its users.
ScienceSoft as an MVP Development Partner: Mature, Value-Driven, Passionate
- 33 years in IT, 10 years in SaaS MVP development.
- 300+ successful mobile projects, 1,900+ web development projects.
- Trusted by global brands such as Deloitte, IBM, Walmart, eBay, Nestle, NASA JPL, Viber, and more.
- Hands-on experience in 30+ industries, including healthcare, BFSI, ecommerce, retail, manufacturing, education, telecoms, and more.
- Fast project launch (2–14 days), strong Agile and DevOps cultures, strict adherence to SLAs.
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Quality-first approach based on a mature ISO 9001-certified quality management system.
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ISO 27001-certified security management based on comprehensive policies and processes, advanced security technology, and skilled professionals.
- For the second straight year, ScienceSoft USA Corporation is listed among The Americas’ Fastest-Growing Companies by the Financial Times.
Additional talents can be required, depending on the nature of the project, for example, we can also involve data scientists, 3D designers, etc.
Cost-effectiveness
You avoid excessive investments at the start and stay flexible in the future.
Market testing
You get an opportunity to enter the real market and check the viability of your concept.
Faster time to market
Code-based MVP will be ready for users in ~ 2-6 months, which allows you to roll out your product fast and stay ahead of the competition.
Early feedback
Early user feedback will help you zoom in on necessary product improvements.
Quick idea monetization
The income from MVP can become a solid base for product evolution. Besides, it’s a chance to be noticed by investors.
Access to advanced techs
We can enrich your MVP with AI, VR, data science, blockchain, IoT, and more.
Project Manager
– oversees an MVP project, including delivery on time and on budget, preventing feature creep, etc.
Business Analyst (BA)
– elicits functional and non-functional MVP requirements, technical limitations, defines MVP modules and integrations with other systems.
UX Designer
– performs UX research, designs minimum necessary user interactions with an MVP, and information architecture, conducts usability testing.
UI Designer
– working closely with UX designers, creates aesthetically pleasing, custom visual style of the user-facing MVP interface.
Back-end developers (1-3)
– builds the MVP server side and APIs.
Front-end developer
– creates the MVP client side.
Quality Assurance Engineer (optional)
– designs and implements the test strategy, plans and cases, validates the developed MVP and produces test summary reports.
Core Techs and Architecture Patterns We Employ in MVP Development
Back-end programming languages
Practice
19 years
Projects
200+
Workforce
60+
Our .NET developers can build sustainable and high-performing apps up to 2x faster due to outstanding .NET proficiency and high productivity.
Practice
25 years
Projects
110+
Workforce
40+
ScienceSoft's Java developers build secure, resilient and efficient cloud-native and cloud-only software of any complexity and successfully modernize legacy software solutions.
Practice
10 years
Projects
50+
Workforce
30
ScienceSoft's Python developers and data scientists excel at building general-purpose Python apps, big data and IoT platforms, AI and ML-based apps, and BI solutions.
Practice
10 years
Workforce
100
ScienceSoft delivers cloud-native, real-time web and mobile apps, web servers, and custom APIs ~1.5–2x faster than other software developers.
Practice
16 years
Projects
170
Workforce
55
ScienceSoft's PHP developers helped to build Viber. Their recent projects: an IoT fleet management solution used by 2,000+ corporate clients and an award-winning remote patient monitoring solution.
Practice
4 years
ScienceSoft's developers use Go to build robust cloud-native, microservices-based applications that leverage advanced techs — IoT, big data, AI, ML, blockchain.
Front-end programming languages
Languages
Practice
21 years
Projects
2,200+
Workforce
50+
ScienceSoft uses JavaScript’s versatile ecosystem of frameworks to create dynamic and interactive user experience in web and mobile apps.
JavaScript frameworks
Practice
13 years
Workforce
100+
ScienceSoft leverages code reusability Angular is notable for to create large-scale apps. We chose Angular for a banking app with 3M+ users.
Workforce
80+
ScienceSoft achieves 20–50% faster React development and 50–90% fewer front-end performance issues due to smart implementation of reusable components and strict adherence to coding best practices.
By using a lightweight Vue framework, ScienceSoft creates high-performant apps with real-time rendering.
Mobile
Practice
16 years
Projects
150+
Workforce
50+
ScienceSoft’s achieves 20–50% cost reduction for iOS projects due to excellent self-management and Agile skills of the team. The quality is never compromised — our iOS apps are highly rated.
Practice
14 years
Projects
200+
Workforce
50+
There are award-winning Android apps in ScienceSoft’s portfolio. Among the most prominent projects is the 5-year-long development of Viber, a messaging and VoIP app for 1.8B users.
Practice
11 years
Projects
85+
Workforce
10+
ScienceSoft cuts the cost of mobile projects twice by building functional and user-friendly cross-platform apps with Xamarin.
ScienceSoft uses Cordova to create cross-platform apps and avoid high project costs that may come with native mobile development.
ScienceSoft takes the best from native mobile and web apps and creates the ultimate user experience in PWA.
Practice
8 years
Projects
300+
ScienceSoft reduces up to 50% of project costs and time by creating cross-platform apps that run smoothly on web, Android and iOS.
Desktop
Practice
34 years
Workforce
40
ScienceSoft's C++ developers created the desktop version of Viber and an award-winning imaging application for a global leader in image processing.
Practice
4 years
Workforce
40
We used Qt to deliver a cross-platform desktop app for a global leader in image processing, a desktop version of Viber, VoIP messenger with over 1 billion users, and an anti-procrastination app acknowledged by The Daily Telegraph and BBC.
Practice
19 years
Projects
200+
Workforce
60
Our C# developers created the world’s largest PLM software. Their recent projects: development of SaaS for vCIO services management and underwriting software for a global aviation insurer.
Practice
15 years
Workforce
~40
We have delivered WPF-based solutions for a leading market research company and a global leader in image processing.
Practice
10 years
Workforce
30
We use Python for rapid development of cross-platform desktop apps.
Databases / data storages
SQL
Our Microsoft SQL Server-based projects include a BI solution for 200 healthcare centers, the world’s largest PLM software, and an automated underwriting system for the global commercial insurance carrier.
We’ve implemented MySQL for Viber, an instant messenger with 1B+ users, and an award-winning remote patient monitoring software.
Azure SQL Database is great for handling large volumes of data and varying database traffic: it easily scales up and down without any downtime or disruption to the applications. It also offers automatic backups and point-in-time recoveries to protect databases from accidental corruption or deletion.
NoSQL
Our Apache Cassandra consultants helped a leading Internet of Vehicles company enhance their big data solution that analyzes IoT data from 600,000 vehicles.
ScienceSoft has helped one of the top market research companies migrate its big data solution for advertising channel analysis to Apache Hive. Together with other improvements, this led tо 100x faster data processing.
We use HBase if your database should scale to billions of rows and millions of columns while maintaining constant write and read performance.
MVP Development Costs
Custom MVP software development may cost anywhere between $40,000 and $300,000+, making up 10–50% of the total development cost. Depending on software type and complexity, MVP investments can vary as follows:
$40,000-120,000*
For a mobile MVP.
$80,000-160,000*
For a web portal MVP.
$120,000-300,000*
For a SaaS MVP.
*The estimates provided are not ScienceSoft's official pricing for minimum viable product development services. We estimate the cost of each project individually, based on our customers' specific situations and needs.
The grand total for MVP development depends on a multitude of factors. At ScienceSoft, we consider the most significant cost factors to be:
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About Sciencesoft
ScienceSoft is an ISO 9001- and ISO 27001-certified global IT consulting and software development company headquartered in McKinney, Texas. With a strong focus on quality and in-depth knowledge of advanced techs, we build robust MVPs for promising startups and successful enterprises. Reach out to our team for expert consultancy or end-to-end MVP development services.