Building a product from scratch is a big challenge. If you manage to develop a high-quality product tailored to the needs of your customers, it will definitely increase your chances of achieving your business goals. However, this is a very complex process with many threats. Let's look at the details and information to keep in mind.
There are many different approaches to building a product from scratch. In this article, I would like to outline Codest’s vision that we implement on a daily basis. I have listed some of the most important steps, the foundations for effective product development based on the work of software development team and UX/UI designers. Here are the key stages of the process:
Let's assume you have an idea for a specific product. Got it? Great! So, now it's time to define its business goals, features and functionalities. Before you begin advanced work on your dream product, it is important for you to know exactly how to achieve your objectives. You also need to study the market carefully. Potential competitors are worth exploring; thus, we recommend researching the strengths and weaknesses of their products. This way you will be able to offer extra value when you launch your product on the market.
Contrary to appearances, the first stage is very important. You must be sure that conceptually your product will meet market expectations. It is also important for you to present your ideas to the team responsible for building it at a later stage.
You have two options. The first is to build (perhaps you already have) your in-house team (a development team and UX/UI designers). An alternative is to use the help of a software development company. Both options have their pros and cons. However, if you care about the professional support of experts, time- and cost-effectiveness, you should consider contacting a software house.
You can read more about the possible ways of building your product here and here.
The initial stage of actually building your product is launched by the UX designers’ team. Their role is related to, among others, to create the interface framework and testing. Even if you think you know your target group perfectly, you probably don't have enough knowledge to build a product that matches their preferences and user behavior.
That is why the role of UX designers is so important. The work of this team can be divided into several steps:
Defining the problem,
Competition and market analysis,
Workshops,
User research and building personas,
Interviews with users,
Checkpoints,
Prototyping,
Testing,
Design.
A lot of stages, right? It only shows how important a role the UX design plays in the product development process. Only when this team finishes its work will your product be visually designed by UI designers. They will ensure that it attracts the attention of users and follows the latest design trends.
Now it's time for programmers. They will help you choose the right technology and prepare your product’s first functionalities. If you are building a product from scratch, the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) approach is undoubtedly worth considering.
An MVP is a product with just enough features to satisfy early-stage customers and to provide feedback for future product development. Using this approach, in a relatively short time, you can build a product to launch on the market, verify the customer ratings and further develop the initial concept by adding new functionalities. In addition, MVP is a cost-effective solution that reduces the risk of budget failure and burnout.
I also recommend that you read the brief analysis of how to improve the effectiveness of your MVP by using Ruby on Rails.
Regardless of which product creation concept you choose, the final stage is the implementation of the product on the market. However, the entire process does not end here! From now on, you will be responsible for product maintenance (you will probably need further support from software developers) and will have to work continuously on product improvement and refinement. In the world of rapidly developing technologies and growing customer requirements, you should constantly provide the most user-friendly and reliable solutions to maintain recognition within your target group.
Is building a product from scratch an easy task? Certainly not! However, I have no doubt that you will increase your chance of success if you work with professionals who have experience in developing products similar to your project. Therefore – at the very end – please accept this little tip. Bet on high quality, which your customers can quickly appreciate.
In conclusion, building a product or service from scratch requires a well-defined value proposition that resonates with the target audience. It all starts with a strong business idea that serves a specific need in the market. Effective product management plays a crucial role in steering the development process and ensuring the alignment of the product features with the business goals.
Collaborative efforts within the product team, comprising product managers, designers, and developers, are essential for success. The iterative product design process, supported by user testing, helps refine the solution and deliver a user-centric experience. A robust business model that sustains revenue generation and growth is a key consideration. Ultimately, the product development team's dedication and expertise, combined with strategic product management, pave the way for impactful product launches and success stories. Building a product from scratch is an exciting journey that requires careful planning, seamless collaboration, and an unwavering focus on delivering value to the target audience.
