Insights · 4 min read
What to leave out of the first version of your app
By Austin Hunter ·
Most first versions run over budget for the same reason: they try to be version three. A good first version does one job well for one kind of user, and teaches you what to build next.
Features that can usually wait
- A full admin dashboard. Early on, a simple list view or a spreadsheet export often does the job.
- Every sign-in option. Email or one social sign-in is plenty to start.
- In-app chat and messaging. Email or SMS notifications cover most early needs.
- Detailed analytics screens. A few tracked events and a weekly report tell you more at this stage.
- Multiple languages, themes and fine-grained settings. Add them when real users ask.
- Automating rare tasks. If it happens twice a month, someone can do it by hand for now.
What the first version does need
- The one workflow that proves the idea, start to finish.
- Sign-in and data that's stored securely, with backups.
- Payments, if charging is part of what you're testing.
- A way to hear from users: a feedback link and basic usage tracking.
- Accounts in your own name, so you own what you've paid for.
A simple test for each feature
Ask: if this were missing on launch day, would the first users fail to get the main job done? If not, it goes on the list for later. You'll launch sooner, spend less, and make the next round of decisions with real usage instead of guesses.
How we scope a first version
On a free call we'll help you separate must-haves from later, then quote the first version as a fixed price. Focused MVPs typically take about 14 days to build.