Product Market Fit

Understanding Software Application Types, Costs, and Documentation Needs
18 Jan

Choosing the right software type—Proof of Concept (PoC), Minimum Viable Product (MVP), or full-scale product—can significantly impact a business’s costs and growth. Off-the-shelf software offers lower upfront costs and immediate use but may lack flexibility. Custom software is tailored to specific needs, offering scalability at a higher initial cost. Hybrid solutions combine both approaches. Comprehensive software documentation, whether for off-the-shelf or custom software, is crucial for maintenance, troubleshooting, and future-proofing. Good documentation minimizes errors, reduces long-term costs, and supports efficient updates. Read More…

Reworking TRL and IRL for App Development: Software Readiness Level
1 Jan

In 2024, the Software Readiness Level (SRL) model refines NASA’s TRL and Steve Blank’s IRL, offering a tailored 12-step framework for app development. SRL covers key stages from business model creation and market validation to technical development, testing, and commercialization. It also includes advanced considerations like AI integration, enhanced cybersecurity, and compliance with data privacy regulations. This model ensures software projects stay aligned with modern standards, enabling smoother development and faster market readiness. Read More…

The 6 Constraints That Lead To Failed Software and IT Projects
1 Jan '24

In 2024, software project success hinges on mitigating six key constraints: budget, customer satisfaction, meeting user requirements, quality, risk, and time. AI and DevOps are now central in optimizing project timelines, budget estimation, and quality assurance. Enhanced user engagement, automated testing, and improved cybersecurity measures have refined the development process. While challenges persist, incorporating cutting-edge technologies has improved risk management and project success rates, fostering stronger relationships and better outcomes in software and IT projects. Read More…

Technology Readiness Level and Investment Readiness Level Deconstructed
1 Jan '24

Technology Readiness Level (TRL), initially developed by NASA, is hardware-focused and assesses technological maturity across nine stages, making it less applicable to software development. Investment Readiness Level (IRL), designed by Steve Blank, helps startups gauge market fit and business viability but can be too broad for specific cases like app development. Both models provide valuable frameworks but require adaptation for fields like software and co-creation. In 2024, as technology evolves, more domain-specific models are needed to guide development and investment decisions effectively. Read More…

10 Steps to Take Before Starting an App
8 Apr '21

first, evaluate whether to use off-the-shelf solutions or build a custom app. Next, create a product plan outlining goals, success metrics, user benefits, competitors, and unique value. Clearly articulate the problem your app will solve, and validate your assumptions by interviewing potential users. Formulate a comprehensive business plan, set a preliminary budget, and decide whether to hire in-house developers or partner with an app development company. Engage stakeholders early to align interests, and carefully select a development partner. Finally, keep your MVP lean, utilize analytics for informed decision-making, and conduct thorough user acceptance tests to ensure the app meets expectations. Read More…

Using the Lean UX Canvas to Validate Your Product
27 Oct '20

Defining the problem accurately is crucial for effective software development but often gets sidelined in favor of quick solutions. To address this, we use the Lean UX Canvas, a tool by Jeff Gothelf, which helps teams focus on understanding the problem before jumping into solutions. By detailing aspects like business problems, user needs, and desired outcomes, this canvas improves problem definition and ensures better project alignment. Our adapted version of the Lean UX Canvas further refines this process, helping teams prioritize business and user outcomes to guide MVP development. Read More…

The Benefits of Agile Software Development
17 Jun '20

Agile project management, unlike the traditional waterfall method, emphasizes flexibility and iterative progress, allowing for quicker adjustments and better risk management. It improves product/market fit by prioritizing customer feedback, enhances stakeholder collaboration, speeds up market entry, and optimizes feature delivery. Agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban structure this approach, with WorkingMouse’s evolving Agile process addressing common issues such as unclear requirements and unrealistic estimates. Adopting Agile effectively requires both a flexible mindset and robust processes. Read More…

How Leading Edge Software Can Help You Scale Your Business
5 Jul '16

Relying on Excel spreadsheets for data management can increase manual labor costs, slow down report generation, and limit scalability. Switching to software automates data handling, provides a single source of truth, and offers better scalability and efficiency. WorkingMouse’s platform streamlines this transition, automates processes, and allows for quicker, data-driven decision-making. Adopting new software solutions can significantly enhance business operations and ROI. Read More…