How to Build MVP

How to Build an MVP: A Step-by-Step Guide
Bringing a big idea to life is exciting, but let’s face it—diving straight into full-scale development can be risky and expensive. That's where the MVP, or Minimum Viable Product, is important.
Imagine this: you have a brilliant concept for a startup, but you’re unsure if your target audience will love it as much as you do. What if you could test the waters, gather real feedback, and improve your product without pouring all your resources into something that might not work? That's precisely what creating an MVP accomplishes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build an MVP, helping you validate your ideas quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, understanding the process of creating an MVP for your startup is the smartest step toward turning your vision into reality.
So, why should you keep reading? Because this isn’t just another generic post. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to build a minimum viable product that not only saves time and money but also attracts early adopters who believe in your idea.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started on your MVP journey!
What is a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)?
A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is the simplest version of a product that delivers core functionality to solve a specific problem for its target audience. Think of it as the foundation of your idea—a way to test the waters before investing time and resources into a full-scale product.
The concept of an MVP revolves around launching quickly with just the essential features needed to meet user needs. It allows startups and businesses to collect feedback, validate assumptions, and make improvements based on real-world data, rather than guessing what users want.
Why is an MVP Important?
- Validation: An MVP helps determine whether your idea resonates with your audience.
- Cost Efficiency: By building only the core features, you save time and money.
- Faster Time-to-Market: You can get your product into users’ hands sooner.
- Real Feedback: Instead of relying on assumptions, you base your improvements on user input.
Key Characteristics of an MVP
- Focus on Core Features: It includes only the essential functionalities that define your product’s purpose.
- Iterative Process: An MVP evolves as you gather feedback and make improvements.
- Customer-Centric: Its goal is to satisfy the early adopters and refine the product based on their needs.
MVP in Action
Let’s take an example. When Dropbox launched, their MVP wasn’t a full-fledged file storage platform. It was a simple video demonstration of how the product would work. This allowed them to gauge interest and secure funding before developing the actual platform.
In short, an MVP is your golden ticket to turning an idea into a viable product while minimizing risks. Whether you’re starting a new business or adding a feature to an existing one, building an MVP is a smart, strategic step to ensure long-term success.
Now that you know what a minimum viable product is, are you ready to create one for your idea?
Common Myths About MVPs
Myth 1: An MVP is a Cheap, Low-Quality Product
Many believe that an MVP is just a bare-bones, sloppy version of the final product. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While it’s true that an MVP focuses on core features, it should still deliver real value to users. An MVP isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about prioritizing functionality over perfection.
Myth 2: An MVP is Only for Startups
While an MVP for startups is common, it’s not limited to them. Established companies also use MVPs to test new ideas, validate market demand, and launch features faster. The process of building a minimum viable product is universal and can be adapted for businesses of any size.
Myth 3: You Only Build an MVP Once
Some think that once the MVP is launched, the job is done. The truth is, an MVP is part of an iterative process. It’s designed to collect feedback, which you’ll use to refine, enhance, and grow your product over time. The cycle of feedback and improvement doesn’t end with the first version.
Myth 4: MVPs Have to Be Software Products
The term MVP often makes people think of apps or tech platforms. However, an MVP can be anything—a landing page, a service prototype, or even a simple presentation. The goal is to validate your idea, no matter the format.
Types of MVP
1. Concierge MVP
Concierge MVP involves providing a manual version of your product or service before automating it. For example, instead of developing a fully automated solution, you manually deliver the service to your users to understand their needs and gather feedback.
2. Wizard of Oz MVP
In this type, users interact with what appears to be a fully functional product, but behind the scenes, everything is done manually. It allows you to test user behavior without investing in automation right away.
3. Landing Page MVP
A landing page MVP helps validate an idea by gauging interest. You create a simple page that explains your product and includes a call to action (like signing up for a newsletter or pre-ordering). This is an excellent way to test demand before development.
4. Piecemeal MVP
This approach involves using existing tools or services to create a working prototype. For instance, you can integrate third-party apps to simulate how your final product will function.
5. Single Feature MVP
Instead of building an entire product, focus on one key feature. For example, if you’re creating a ride-sharing app, your MVP might focus solely on booking rides without incorporating additional features like fare splitting or ratings.
6. Crowdfunding MVP
Platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo allow you to validate your idea by showcasing it to potential users and gathering funding. If enough people are willing to back your idea, it’s a strong indicator that your product has demand.
Detailed Steps to Create an MVP
Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is an essential process for startups and businesses aiming to validate their product ideas. It allows you to test the waters before investing heavily in development. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the detailed steps to create an MVP, helping you turn your idea into a tangible, testable solution.
Steps to Create an MVP
Here’s an overview of the steps we’ll discuss in detail:
- Define your idea and identify the problem.
- Understand your target audience.
- Conduct thorough market research.
- Prioritize key features.
- Create a prototype.
- Build your MVP.
- Test, gather feedback, and iterate.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the seven steps to create an MVP, ensuring you understand how to move from idea to execution effectively.
1. Define Your Idea and Identify the Problem
The foundation of any MVP starts with a clear understanding of your product idea. Ask yourself:
- What problem does your product solve?
- Why is this problem worth solving?
The problem should be specific and relevant to your target audience. For example, if you're building a task management app, your problem statement might be: "Busy professionals struggle to manage their daily tasks due to the complexity of existing tools."
Why This Matters:
When you’re crystal clear about the problem, it’s easier to design a solution that meets your users' needs without overcomplicating the MVP.
2. Understand Your Target Audience
Building a product without knowing who it's for is like shooting arrows in the dark. Research your target audience in-depth:
- What are their pain points?
- What solutions do they currently use?
- How will your MVP fit into their lives?
Create User Personas:
These are fictional representations of your ideal users, including their demographics, preferences, and behaviors. For instance, a persona for a fitness app could be: "Emma, a 32-year-old working professional who wants to track workouts but doesn’t want complex features."
Why This Matters:
Understanding your audience ensures your MVP solves the right problem for the right people, increasing your chances of success.
3. Conduct Thorough Market Research
Market research helps you validate your idea by identifying gaps in the market and understanding your competition. It involves:
- Analyzing competitors: What do they do well, and where do they fall short?
- Gathering user reviews: What are customers complaining about?
- Looking for trends: Is there growing demand for your product type?
Example: If you’re building a ride-sharing app, you might discover users are frustrated by long wait times and unclear pricing. These insights can shape your MVP's unique selling points.
Why This Matters:
With proper market research, you can create an MVP that stands out and addresses unmet needs in the market.
4. Prioritize Key Features
Your MVP is not the final product; it’s the first step toward it. Focus on building only the most critical features that solve the main problem.
Steps to Prioritize Features:
- Make a list of all potential features.
- Categorize them into:
- Must-Have: Essential features your product can’t function without.
- Nice-to-Have: Features that can be added later.
- Unnecessary: Features that add complexity without solving the core problem.
Example:
For an online food delivery app:
- Must-Have: Placing an order, tracking delivery.
- Nice-to-Have: Customizing delivery time.
- Unnecessary: Social media integration.
Why This Matters:
Prioritizing features ensures your MVP remains focused, simple, and cost-effective.
5. Create a Prototype
A prototype is a basic representation of your idea that allows you to test functionality and usability before full-scale development.
Types of Prototypes:
- Wireframes: Simple sketches or diagrams showing the layout and flow.
- Clickable Mockups: Interactive prototypes that simulate the user experience.
- Minimum Functional Model: A stripped-down version with just enough functionality to demonstrate your idea.
Example: If you’re building a fitness app, your prototype could include a screen where users log their workouts and track progress.
Why This Matters:
Prototyping helps you identify design flaws and user experience issues early, saving time and money.
It’s time to create a prototype for your idea, just do it with Akkenna.
6. Build Your MVP
Now it’s time to develop the actual MVP. Choose the right tools, platforms, and team to ensure a smooth development process.
Tips for Development:
- Use agile development methods to build iteratively.
- Focus on the user interface (UI) and experience (UX) for a seamless product.
- Test as you go to catch bugs and errors early.
Keep It Lean:
Don’t try to add every feature or perfect the product at this stage. For example, Spotify started as a desktop app with only core features like music streaming and playlists.
Why This Matters:
A focused MVP gets you to market faster and allows you to gather user feedback sooner.
7. Test, Gather Feedback, and Iterate
Once your MVP is live, your job isn’t done. The next step is to collect user feedback and make improvements.
How to Gather Feedback:
- Surveys and Interviews: Ask users what they like, dislike, and want.
- Analytics Tools: Track user behavior, such as time spent on the app or features they use the most.
- Support Channels: Monitor complaints and suggestions from customer service.
Iterate and Improve:
Use the feedback to refine your MVP. For instance, if users find navigation confusing, improve the UI. If a feature isn’t popular, consider removing it.
Why This Matters:
Iteration ensures your product evolves to meet user needs, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
Test your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with our quality assurance testing services.
Fresh Examples of Trending MVPs and Development Costs
Building a minimum viable product (MVP) is the starting point for many successful apps and software. While we’ve all heard about Facebook, Twitter, and Airbnb, let’s dive into some modern MVP examples that are making waves. Along with the examples, we’ll explore their estimated development costs and how they paved their way to success.
Looking to develop your MVP? Akkenna specializes in building cost-effective MVPs that help startups scale effortlessly.
1. Clubhouse
Overview:
Clubhouse, the audio-only social media app, disrupted the market by focusing solely on live audio rooms. The MVP included basic features like creating rooms and inviting users, allowing them to validate the concept of live discussions.
Estimated MVP Development Cost: $40,000 - $60,000
Why It Worked: The exclusivity of invite-only access and the simplicity of the app attracted early adopters and investors.
Key Features of Clubhouse MVP
- Live Audio Rooms:
Join or host live discussions on various topics. - Invite-Only Access:
Exclusive entry created curiosity and demand. - Speaker and Listener Roles:
Participate as a speaker or just listen in. - Simple User Profiles:
Basic bios and follower/following details for connections. - Notifications:
Real-time alerts for ongoing or upcoming discussions.
Technology Used in Clubhouse MVP
- Backend:
- Node.js for managing app functions.
- Firebase for real-time notifications and user authentication.
- Frontend:
- React Native to build the app for iOS.
- Audio Streaming:
- Agora.io to power live audio conversations.
- Database:
- MongoDB for storing user data.
- Hosting:
- AWS (Amazon Web Services) for running the app smoothly.
2. BeReal
Overview:
BeReal is a photo-sharing app that prompts users to post unfiltered images once a day. It started as an MVP focusing on spontaneity, avoiding curated content, and emphasizing authenticity.
Estimated MVP Development Cost: $35,000 - $50,000
Why It Worked: The unique concept of authenticity resonated with Gen Z and Millennials, leading to rapid adoption.
Key Features of BeReal MVP
- Daily Photo Prompts:
Users receive a notification once a day to post a real-time, unfiltered photo. - Dual Camera Functionality:
Capture images using both front and rear cameras simultaneously for added authenticity. - Time-Limited Posting:
Posts can only be uploaded within a specific window after the prompt. - No Filters or Edits:
Focus on unfiltered, genuine content without the option to edit or add filters. - Private and Social Sharing Options:
Share photos privately with friends or publicly to a broader audience.
Technology Used in BeReal MVP
- Backend:
- Node.js for handling requests and backend services.
- Firebase for notifications and real-time data updates.
- Frontend:
- React Native for building cross-platform functionality for iOS and Android.
- Camera Integration:
- Native APIs (CameraX for Android, AVFoundation for iOS) for accessing dual cameras.
- Database:
- PostgreSQL for secure user data and image storage.
- Hosting:
- AWS or Google Cloud for app hosting and media storage.
3. Canva
Overview:
Canva began as a simple drag-and-drop graphic design tool targeting non-designers. The MVP allowed users to create designs using pre-made templates and limited customization options.
Estimated MVP Development Cost: $50,000 - $80,000
Why It Worked: By simplifying design tools for non-professionals, Canva filled a gap in the market, attracting users who needed easy design solutions.
Key Features of Canva MVP
- Drag-and-Drop Interface:
Simplified design creation with an intuitive drag-and-drop functionality. - Pre-Made Templates:
A selection of basic templates for various use cases like social media posts, flyers, and business cards. - Basic Customization Options:
Limited but essential options to change fonts, colors, and images within templates. - Media Library Access:
Included a small library of stock images, icons, and shapes to enhance designs. - Export Functionality:
Users could download their completed designs in popular formats like PNG or PDF. - Browser-Based Tool:
The MVP was accessible directly through a web browser without requiring installation.
Technology Used in Canva MVP
- Frontend:
- AngularJS for building a responsive and interactive user interface.
- Backend:
- Ruby on Rails for handling application logic and API integrations.
- Graphics Engine:
- Fabric.js or similar library to enable canvas rendering and drag-and-drop design editing.
- Database:
- MySQL for managing user data and design assets.
- Cloud Storage:
- AWS S3 for storing templates, images, and other media files.
- Hosting:
- Hosted on AWS EC2 for scalable and reliable application hosting.
4. Notion
Overview:
The notion, a productivity and collaboration app, started as a basic note-taking tool. Its MVP focused on providing users with a flexible space to organize thoughts and projects.
Estimated MVP Development Cost: $60,000 - $90,000
Why It Worked: Notion’s focus on simplicity and customization appealed to freelancers, students, and small teams.
Key Features of Notion MVP
- Basic Note-Taking:
A clean interface for users to create and organize simple text notes. - Customizable Pages:
Users could structure pages with headings, lists, and basic formatting options. - Drag-and-Drop Organization:
Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality to move notes and reorganize content. - Search Functionality:
A basic search bar to find notes quickly within the workspace. - Cross-Device Access:
Synchronization across web and mobile platforms for seamless access. - Collaboration Tools (Basic):
Simple sharing options to allow team members to view and edit notes.
Technology Used in Notion MVP
- Frontend:
- ReactJs enable a dynamic and responsive user interface.
- Backend:
- Node.js for server-side operations and API integrations.
- Database:
- PostgreSQL to store and manage user data, notes, and page structures.
- Cloud Infrastructure:
- AWS S3 for storing media files and assets.
- AWS Lambda for handling background tasks and scalability.
- Synchronization:
- WebSockets to ensure real-time updates between devices.
- Mobile Framework:
- React Native to provide cross-platform compatibility for mobile apps.
5. Calm
Overview:
Calm, a meditation and sleep app, launched its MVP with a limited number of guided meditations and a clean user interface.
Estimated MVP Development Cost: $30,000 - $50,000
Why It Worked: The app tapped into the rising demand for mental health tools and focused on providing immediate value with minimal features.
Key Features of Calm MVP
- Guided Meditations:
A small library of guided meditation sessions focusing on relaxation and mindfulness. - Clean User Interface:
A visually soothing and minimalist design to enhance user experience. - Sleep Stories:
A few bedtime stories aimed at helping users fall asleep. - Timer for Meditation:
A basic timer feature for self-guided meditation sessions. - Calming Background Sounds:
Limited soundscapes like ocean waves, rain, and forest ambiance for relaxation. - Cross-Platform Availability:
Compatible with iOS and Android for easy access.
Technology Used in Calm MVP
- Frontend:
- React Native for building a cross-platform mobile app.
- Backend:
- Node.js for API development and session management.
- Database:
- Firebase for real-time data storage and synchronization.
- Media Hosting:
- AWS S3 for storing and streaming audio files and soundscapes.
- Push Notifications:
- Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send reminders and updates to users.
- Payment Integration:
- Stripe or Apple Pay/Google Pay for premium subscription management.
6. Robinhood
Overview:
Robinhood’s MVP focused on commission-free trading for stocks, a feature that wasn’t widely available at the time. The app was designed with a clean, user-friendly interface to attract first-time investors.
Estimated MVP Development Cost: $60,000 - $100,000
Why It Worked: The simplicity of commission-free trades, coupled with a seamless app experience, attracted millions of users, especially younger investors.
Key Features of Robinhood MVP
- Commission-Free Trading:
Enabled users to trade stocks without paying brokerage fees. - Simple, Intuitive Interface:
A clean design tailored for first-time investors to navigate effortlessly. - Real-Time Market Data:
Provided users with live updates on stock prices and market trends. - Watchlist Feature:
Allowed users to monitor selected stocks and track their performance. - Account Management:
Basic account creation and secure login for managing trades and investments. - Instant Deposits:
Users could instantly deposit small amounts to start trading.
Technology Used in Robinhood MVP
- Frontend:
- React Native for a seamless, cross-platform mobile application.
- Backend:
- Python with Django for robust server-side operations and trade management.
- Database:
- PostgreSQL for storing user data, transaction history, and market insights.
- Stock Market Data API:
- Integrated with APIs like IEX Cloud or Alpha Vantage to fetch live market data.
- Payment Gateway:
- Used Plaid or Stripe for secure fund transfers and deposits.
- Encryption & Security:
- Implemented TLS/SSL encryption to ensure safe trading and secure user accounts.
7. Duolingo
Overview:
Duolingo started as an MVP with gamified language lessons. The initial version included basic vocabulary and simple exercises for a few languages.
Estimated MVP Development Cost: $50,000 - $70,000
Why It Worked: The gamification approach and free access made language learning fun and accessible to everyone.
Key Features of Duolingo MVP
- Gamified Language Lessons:
Interactive lessons are structured like games to make learning engaging and fun. - Basic Vocabulary Modules:
Introduced essential words and phrases for beginner-level learners. - Progress Tracking:
Users could track their learning progress through levels and badges. - Daily Goals and Streaks:
Encouraged consistent learning by rewarding daily practice with streaks. - Limited Language Options:
Focused on a few popular languages to test the core functionality. - Simple Exercises:
Included fill-in-the-blank, matching words, and pronunciation tasks. - Free Access:
Allowed users to access all features at no cost, increasing adoption rates.
Technology Used in Duolingo MVP
- Frontend:
- ReactJS for a responsive web application.
- Swift (iOS) and Kotlin (Android) for native mobile apps.
- Backend:
- Python with Flask for handling user interactions and lesson data.
- Database:
- PostgreSQL for managing user data, lesson progress, and language modules.
- Gamification Engine:
- Designed using custom algorithms to reward progress and keep users engaged.
- Speech Recognition API:
- Integrated with tools like Google Speech API for pronunciation exercises.
- Push Notifications:
- Implemented reminders to encourage daily learning sessions.
Conclusion
Building a minimum viable product (MVP) is more than just a step in the startup journey—it’s the foundation of your success. By starting with clear objectives, prioritizing core features, and gathering feedback early, you can create a product that resonates with your audience while saving time and resources. Whether you're launching a groundbreaking app or testing a new business idea, an MVP allows you to validate your vision and iterate confidently.
But here's the secret to a truly successful MVP—it’s not just about speed; it’s about quality, strategy, and scalability. That’s where the right development partner makes all the difference.
At Akkenna, we specialize in MVP development for startups and businesses. From brainstorming your idea to building a minimum viable product that reflects your vision, we’re with you every step of the way. Our team ensures your product hits the market faster without compromising on quality.
Ready to turn your idea into a reality? Let Akkenna help you build an MVP that stands out.
Get in touch with us right now to start down the path to success!
FAQs on Enterprise App Development by Akkenna
Enterprise app development involves creating custom software applications tailored to the needs of a business. The use of these apps improves efficiency, teamwork, and decision-making. With Akkenna's expertise in enterprise app development, businesses can achieve greater operational efficiency and deliver superior customer experiences.
At Akkenna, we follow a structured process that includes understanding client requirements, designing user-centric interfaces, developing robust functionalities, and testing extensively. We ensure that our solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with your business goals.
Enterprise apps provide numerous benefits, including:
- Streamlined operations
- Enhanced collaboration among teams
- Improved data security
- Cost savings through automation
- Flexibility to scale as your business grows
Akkenna specializes in delivering these advantages to businesses across industries.
Akkenna provides enterprise app solutions for a variety of industries, including:
- Retail: Inventory management and personalized customer engagement
- Healthcare: Patient management and telehealth services
- Manufacturing: Workflow optimization and equipment monitoring
- Finance: Secure financial transactions and fraud detection
- Education: E-learning platforms and resource management
- Logistics and Transportation: Real-time tracking and fleet management
- Energy and Utilities: Predictive maintenance and resource allocation
Security is a top priority at Akkenna. We incorporate advanced features such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure cloud storage into all our applications. Additionally, we adhere to industry-standard security protocols to safeguard sensitive business data.
Yes, Akkenna ensures seamless integration of enterprise apps with your existing systems and tools. Our development team has extensive experience in handling complex integrations to ensure smooth workflows and uninterrupted operations.
The timeline for developing an enterprise app depends on the complexity of the project, required features, and customization. Akkenna works closely with clients to set realistic timelines and deliver high-quality solutions within agreed deadlines.
Akkenna leverages cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, IoT, and cloud computing to develop robust and innovative enterprise applications. Our team stays updated with the latest trends to deliver state-of-the-art solutions.
Akkenna focuses on creating intuitive and user-friendly designs to encourage user adoption. Additionally, we provide training and support to help your team transition smoothly to using the new application.
Akkenna stands out for its:
- Competence in providing customised options for varied industries.
- Commitment to high-quality and secure app development
- Collaborative approach to understanding client needs
- Focus on innovation and scalability

Muthukumar M
Digital Marketing Executive at Akkenna, specializing in developing effective strategies to drive online visibility and engagement. Expertise in SEO, social media campaigns, and leveraging data-driven insights to achieve business goals.