Thinking Out Loud
1. Map out the MVP based on your gut and understanding of the market. Talk to people who know the market you are entering. You will not like what you hear all the time. Regardless, write it all down, and get yourself educated. Your gut feel is really important, but only if it’s based on some […]
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I just found this brilliant article by Alex Iskold… alexiskold.stfi.re/2015/10/07/re-thinking-viability-of-your-mvp He argues that the key to the vitality of new business ideas are feedback loops. This is what makes natural systems alive and this is what makes great software alive as well. To arrive at your MVP, strive to create a minimal product that has correct feedback loops. […]
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The currently accepted wisdom is to start with “horizontal” prototypes, followed by “verticals”. Horizontal prototypes Horizontals are simple mockup simulations used during the project scoping phase. They are primarily used to get an overview from the user’s perspective. Horizontals give a broad view of the entire system, so you can concentrate on the big picture, rather than […]
Read MoreDon’t prototype features or functionality that cannot be implemented. How many times do you get a nice looking PhotoShop design as your brief? It’s nicely sliced and diced ready to roll. Sweet. You are really happy, because the client has clearly got his shit together. You start translating into HTML/CSS or binary code, or whatever you […]
Read MoreWhen your product is multi-functional When there’s a steep learning curve for newbies When you need buy-in from diverse stakeholders When you find it difficult to describe with words and arm-waving When you are not sure of the requirements Prototyping is most beneficial in systems that have lots of interactions with the users. Apps that require […]
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In product development, the minimum viable product (MVP) is a method that exposes your idea to potential customers in a tangible form, so that they can grasp your vision, and give valuable feedback before committing resources. It’s a way to find a profitable product/market fit, or to exit gracefully. Minimum time and cost, minimum risk. The prototypes that you […]
Read MoreI don’t like to get stuff wrong. I hate it when I realise that I’ve rushed in and built something that just doesn’t work perfectly. It’s partly embarrassment (maybe I made a basic error in logic, or made a false assumption, way back at the beginning of a long project, and now it’s becoming obvious. And […]
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Here’s an awesome idea – build a fake hospital in a huge warehouse, then let companies and innovators bring in their prototypes, and test them in ‘real world’ scenarios. Everything from robots, software, databases, diagnostics, social and organisational strategies. Kaiser Permanente’s Garfield Innovation Center, in San Leandro, CA, has labs, operating room, and an ordinary home […]
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