Think Big but Start Small and then Scale Fast

Sanjay Vijayakumar

Tips to decide your feature set for Product

Alpha v0.1

Build your product in versions with every version being usable by

customers

Most of us have a big and complex vision

But the key is to understand that every complex system

started with a simple working system

Eg: Chillr today does over 100,000 transactions per day

Here is how we built it across alpha, beta and launch

Wireframes were first drawn up

Basic screens were then designed

Code was written for a basic version which worked over SMS - to show demo to banks

to give us API’s

HDFC liked the demo and joined as First Partner Bank

More Features were then built over time learning from customer feedback

More Features were then built over time learning from customer feedback

After 2 years, Chillr does over 100,000 transactions per day

SV.CO v0.1 did not have a founder dashboard!It was introduced for Batch 3 for first time - 18

months from first wire frames

The v0.1 timeline builder was primitive but worked

At Alpha stage, build the most important feature that customers will use.

first built feature to build Timelines

first built feature to Transfer Money

Without the first early customer, both products could not have been built. Now the customer feedback drives product

evolution.

first built feature to build Timelines

first built feature to Transfer Money

So how do you pick the v0.1 Alpha

features?

Focus on the core problem you are

solving.

Build a usable product that solves one key problem the customer is

facing.

Remember: the key word here is usable.

The customer should be able to test and give

feedback on whatever you build.

You also should be able to demo whatever you build. In a

fashion that a prospective customer will immediately

realise its value.

Note: doing this effectively will mean attempting the

“Build a Product Narrative” target too.

To Do Task:

#1 List your full imaginary set of Features of v1.0

#2 List your first core set of features for Alpha v0.1

Also write down your insight in your timeline entry as to what

you learnt by trying to complete this task

Insight = new learning, action items or other todo tasks.

All because you performed this task.

Insight pointers: Try to learn from successful products that you use (Whatsapp, Facebook,

google search etc) on how the founders built the first

version.

Don’t forget to check the Rubric for

pointers.