The Real MVP

At its core, a minimal viable product (MVP) is the simplest version of a product that you can build and still deliver value to your customers. It’s not a complete product, but it’s a starting point that you can use to validate your assumptions and test your ideas.

The idea behind the MVP is to get your product into the hands of your customers as quickly as possible, so you can get feedback and iterate on your design. By building a minimal version of your product, you can avoid wasting time and resources on features that your customers don’t actually want or need.

The key word here is “minimal.” Your MVP should only include the essential features that your customers need to get value from your product. You should avoid adding any bells and whistles that are not critical to the core functionality of your product.

The goal of the MVP is not to build a perfect product, but to build a product that you can use to learn and improve. By getting your product into the hands of your customers early, you can gather feedback and data that will help you make better decisions about the future direction of your product.

Of course, building an MVP is not always easy. It requires discipline and a willingness to make tough decisions about what features to include and what to leave out. But if you can build a successful MVP, it can be the foundation for a successful product that delivers real value to your customers.

The Needs vs The Wants

The eternal struggle between what users want and what they actually need. As a software developer, it’s important to understand the difference between the two.

When it comes to software, wants are features or even a product that users think they need, but may not actually be useful, solve the problem or be critical to the core functionality of the product. These are the nice-to-have features that can make a product more enjoyable or easier to use, but are not essential to its core purpose.

For example, a user might want a fancy animation when they click a button, or a custom colour scheme for their profile page. While these features might be nice, they don’t necessarily impact the core functionality of the product, or deliver business value.

On the other hand, needs are features that are critical to the core functionality of the product, software that is fit for purpose, provides business value and/or improves a situation. These can be the features that users absolutely must have in order to use the product effectively.

For example, if you’re building an e-commerce site, users need to be able to search for products, add them to their cart, and complete the checkout process. Without these core features, the product would not be functional.

As a software developer, it’s important to prioritise needs over wants. While it’s important to listen to your users and consider their feedback, you should always focus on building the software that is critical to business and fills its purpose first, niceties can come later.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should completely ignore user wants. These features can be valuable in making your product more appealing and enjoyable to use. However, they should always be secondary to the needs of the business or product.

The goal is to build a product that delivers real value. By focusing on needs and prioritising the features that are critical, you can ensure that your product is both for for purpose.

The Real Need

Working out what the needs for business are can be difficult, especially if you have been tasked with building a solution without being involved in the discussions before hand. It’s important to understand the business goals behind a software project or product.

The first step in working out what the business needs is to have a clear understanding of the problem you’re trying to solve. This means taking the time to understand the problem from the perspective of the business and its customers.

You can achieve this by speaking with your managers, product owners and end users, where possible. In some businesses this can be difficult, but you need push for that open channel of communication.

Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, you can begin to work with the business to identify the specific requirements for the project. This might involve gathering your own take on requirements through interviews, general conversations, or other methods of gathering feedback.

It’s important to keep in mind that the requirements you gather may not always be clear or well-defined. This is where the skills we will discuss come into play. It’s your job to identify the core reasons and purpose of the product and prioritise what is to be created, and understand what is most important to the business and its customers.

It is not always the case the product you have been told to build is the right solution, it could that the project won’92t fix the problem, it could be cost ineffective to build to replace a manual process or its complete trash and needs to be rethought.

One approach to use, that can be helpful in working out what the business needs is to write down what you believe the problem is, then go over this with the steak holders, walk them through step-by-step everything you understand, get them to fill in missing information, or correct misunderstandings. Having a meeting room with whiteboards and drawing out the processes and steps involved makes things easier, a picture paints a thousand words.

If you have been provided with a ‘solution’, walk through the solution, compare it to the problem, does it do what is needed, if there another way to do it, maybe a faster or less complex solution. Try to keep things as simple as possible, when doing this try to think about ‘how you would explain this to a child’ you can’t be overly technical and you don’92t want to use elaborate words, keep it simple and concise.

In the end, working out what the business needs requires a combination of technical skills and strong communication and collaboration with the business. By taking the time to understand the problem, gather requirements, and prioritising what you build, you can create a product that delivers real value.

Ignore the Wants

Falling into the trap of building what the users wants is very easy, rather than focusing on what they actually need. While it’s important to listen to your users and consider their feedback, it’s equally important to prioritise needs over wants when building software.

The reason for this is simple: wants are often nice-to-have features that don’t necessarily impact the provide little to now immediate business value. They might make the product more enjoyable or easier to use, but they’re not essential to its purpose. Focusing too much on wants can lead to bloated software that’s difficult to maintain and less effective at solving the problem it was designed to address.

On the other hand, needs are critical features that are essential to the product. These can be features that users absolutely must have in order to use the product effectively. Focusing on needs ensures that the software is effective at solving the problem it was designed to address, and that business can get the most value from it.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that wants should be completely ignored. Wants can be important in making the product more appealing and enjoyable to use. However, they should always be secondary to the needs of the product.

Something that is often ignored is that building software is to solve a problem and deliver real value, sometimes this is actually building software, but it can also be implementing an off the shelf product or helping the business understand they don’92t need to waste money building something. By focusing on needs over wants, you can ensure that the software is effective at solving the problem it was designed to address and that users can get the most value from it.

Occams Razor

Occam’s Razor, a principle rooted in simplicity, can be a valuable tool when applied to software development. In essence, Occam’s Razor states that among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. How does this concept relate to software development? Let’s explore.

In software development, complexity is the enemy. Complex codebases are difficult to understand, maintain, and debug. They increase the likelihood of introducing bugs and hinder collaboration among team members. This is where Occam’s Razor comes into play, urging developers to favour simplicity over unnecessary complexity.

One aspect of Occam’s Razor in software development is striving for simplicity in design and architecture. It encourages developers to favour straightforward solutions that are easy to comprehend. Complex design patterns, convoluted algorithms, and excessive abstractions should be approached with caution. Instead, opt for simple, elegant designs that fulfill the requirements without unnecessary overhead.

When writing code, Occam’s Razor advises against overcomplicating solutions. Developers should favour straightforward and readable code over intricate constructs. It’s essential to keep code as simple as possible while still achieving the desired functionality. Avoid unnecessary abstractions, excessive conditionals, and convoluted logic. Simpler code is easier to understand, debug, and maintain.

Occam’s Razor can also guide decision-making in software development. When faced with multiple options, it encourages developers to choose the simplest one that fulfils the requirements. This applies to selecting tools, libraries, and frameworks. Instead of opting for overly complex solutions, prioritise those that offer the necessary functionality without unnecessary complexities.

Applying Occam’s Razor also extends to the user experience. Keep user interfaces and interactions simple and intuitive. Avoid cluttering interfaces with excessive features and overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity. Strive for clear, straightforward workflows that minimise cognitive load and maximise usability.

However, it’s important to note that simplicity should not be pursued at the expense of essential functionality or long-term scalability. Occam’s Razor should not be used as an excuse to take shortcuts or neglect important considerations. Rather, it should serve as a guiding principle to question and challenge complexity, ensuring that it is justified and necessary.

In summary, Occam’s Razor provides a valuable lens through which to view software development. By favouring simplicity over unnecessary complexity, developers can create codebases, designs, and experiences that are easier to understand, maintain, and use. Embracing Occam’s Razor can lead to more efficient development processes, enhanced code quality, and improved user satisfaction.

Buzzword Bingo: Avoiding the Hype in Software Development

Make it microservices, in docker containers, utilising block chain and ai to make the best contact form (don’t do it!)

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, buzzwords abound. From trendy technologies to cutting-edge methodologies, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. However, it’s crucial to remember that chasing the latest buzzwords isn’t always the key to delivering good software. In fact, focusing on the fundamentals and avoiding the lure of buzzword bingo can lead to more successful outcomes. Let’s dive in.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that technology alone does not determine the quality of software. While new tools and frameworks can offer benefits, they should be evaluated based on their relevance to the problem at hand. Blindly adopting the latest trends without considering the specific needs of the project can lead to unnecessary complexity and challenges down the road.

Furthermore, buzzwords often emerge as part of marketing strategies or as attempts to capture attention. They can create a sense of urgency to adopt certain technologies or methodologies, making it easy to fall into the trap of thinking that success hinges on their implementation. However, the reality is that good software is built on solid foundations such as clean code, well-designed architecture, and rigorous testing practices.

The pressure to adopt buzzworthy technologies can also create a sense of fear of missing out (FOMO). Developers may feel compelled to jump on the bandwagon, fearing that their skills will become obsolete or that they’ll be left behind. However, it’s important to recognise that technology moves quickly, and chasing every new trend is neither feasible nor necessary. Focus on mastering core programming principles and expanding your knowledge in a deliberate and purposeful manner.

Another pitfall of buzzword bingo is the risk of introducing unnecessary complexity. New technologies and methodologies often come with a learning curve and hidden challenges. Adopting them without fully understanding their implications can lead to bloated codebases, increased maintenance overhead, and a steeper learning curve for future team members. Simplicity and maintainability should always be prioritised over flashy buzzwords.

Moreover, it’s crucial to remember that software development is a collaborative effort. Buzzwords can create a divisive environment, where proponents of different technologies or approaches engage in heated debates. Such debates can overshadow the real goal: delivering valuable software that meets the needs of users and the business. Instead of engaging in buzzword battles, focus on fostering effective communication, collaboration, and shared understanding among team members.

Ultimately, success in software development is not defined by the number of buzzwords you can incorporate into your project. It’s about delivering software that provides value, solves real problems, and meets user needs. This requires a focus on foundational principles, thoughtful decision-making, and a willingness to embrace simplicity over unnecessary complexity.

So, the next time you encounter a buzzword, take a step back and critically evaluate its relevance and potential benefits for your specific context. Avoid getting caught up in the buzzword bingo frenzy, and instead, focus on the fundamentals, effective collaboration, and delivering software that stands the test of time.

Always be a developer: When Manual Processes Trump Software Solutions

As software developers, our instinct is to build software to solve problems. We strive to automate tasks, streamline workflows, and improve efficiency. However, it’s important to recognise that software is not always the best or cheapest solution. In some cases, a manual process can be more effective, practical, and economical. Let’s explore the myth of automation and the situations where manual processes can outshine software solutions.

Firstly, not every problem requires complex software. While automation can offer benefits such as speed and scalability, it also comes with development costs, maintenance overhead, and potential complexities. In situations where the problem is simple, occurs infrequently, or involves a small number of users, a manual process can often be more straightforward and efficient. The time and resources invested in building software may outweigh the benefits it provides.

Secondly, there are scenarios where the cost of developing and maintaining software surpasses the cost of performing a task manually. Consider a one-time or sporadic task that requires significant development effort to automate. In such cases, the return on investment might be low, and it may be more cost-effective to rely on manual processes. It’s important to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis before committing to software development.

Additionally, human intervention can bring unique insights and adaptability. Some processes involve judgment calls, subjective analysis, or dynamic decision-making. Humans possess contextual knowledge, intuition, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen situations. In such instances, relying on manual processes can be advantageous, allowing for flexibility and customised responses that may not be easily replicated in software.

Moreover, manual processes can serve as a valuable proof-of-concept or interim solution. Before investing significant time and resources in software development, it may be wise to test and refine the process manually. This allows for better understanding of the requirements, potential pitfalls, and optimal workflows. It also provides an opportunity to gather user feedback and validate assumptions before committing to a software solution.

It’s worth noting that manual processes should not be an excuse for inefficiency or complacency. They should be considered temporary or situational solutions, not permanent fixes. Continuous improvement efforts should always be in place to reassess the need for automation and explore opportunities to optimise processes.

As software developers, it’s essential to approach problem-solving with a critical mindset. While our inclination may be to automate, we must recognise that software is not always the answer. We should weigh the costs, benefits, and practicality of automation versus manual processes. By embracing the appropriate solution for each situation, whether it’s software or manual intervention, we can deliver effective results that align with business goals and provide the best value for stakeholders.

The myth of automation must be dispelled. Manual processes have their place in software development. They can be cost-effective, efficient, adaptable, and provide valuable insights. By recognising when a manual process is the optimal solution, we can make informed decisions and deliver practical results that meet the needs of the business. It’s not always about automating everything; it’s about finding the right balance between technology and human intervention.

To learn more about WhiteFish Creative Limited and James Studdart’s contributions to software development, visit their website at WhiteFish Creative and connect with James Studdart on LinkedIn and his personal website.

Remember, when it comes to software development, striking the right balance between user needs and wants is the key to building successful products that truly deliver value.