How to Develop a Custom IoT-based MVP App?

If you’ve come across a fitness tracker or a home energy monitor, you have dealt with IoT. Internet of Things (IoT) is the term that encompasses a range of applications, that can be utilized for trivial daily tasks to large manufacturing solutions. The main goal is to get real-time data from hardware, analyze it, and achieve some sort of automatic behavior. It may be reporting the key data or issuing alerts. It can also be about predictive maintenance. 

Developing an IoT-based MVP app is more complicated than, say, an e-commerce shop or other software. It is due to the fact that it requires the hardware part—the element that will be gathering the real-time data. Since an IoT-based MVP app needs to communicate with hardware, it will require more difficult languages for humans but easier languages for machines. It leads to a different level of required developers’ expertise. Thankfully, the concept of MVP applies to IoT as well! 

Ideas for Building an IoT MVP App

An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) for an IoT solution is the simplest version of the product that provides value to users and demonstrates the core functionality of the solution. It allows developers to test their ideas, validate market assumptions, and gather user feedback before investing in a full-fledged IoT solution.

For example, let’s consider a smart home energy monitoring system. As an MVP, it can contain sensors connected to the home’s electrical panel. It can be used to measure energy consumption for each appliance and device. An MVP would provide users with real-time insights into their power usage. Further, it will allow users to make informed decisions about energy consumption. Potentially, you can enable users to save money on utility bills.

The evolved version of this MVP into a full-fledged IoT solution can contain features such as integrating smart devices, thermostats, and smart lighting. You can expand the toolkit to monitor and control energy usage. The system could also use machine learning algorithms. They can help in providing personalized energy-saving recommendations, based on users’ consumption patterns. A full-fledged solution could be expanded even further. With the rise of renewable energy sources and supporting energy storage solutions, you can push boundaries even further to reduce users’ dependency on the grid.

The feedback and insights gathered from users during the MVP stage are crucial for identifying pain points, understanding user requirements, and refining the solution. By continuously iterating and incorporating user feedback, the IoT solution can mature over time and meet the diverse needs of its target audience.

Energy Consumption Monitors

With the rise of climate change concerns, many people start being conscious about their energy use. People try to optimize their impact on the environment. It also comes along with the desire to save on utility bills. In order to help with that, sensors and different monitoring devices can be utilized. Measuring such data on its own using rudimentary tools becomes complicated too quickly. Users can’t just sit by the sensor and record the data. Then perform the required calculations. Even if it is just 2 or 3 sensors, it will require constant and consistent effort. This is where an IoT-based MVP app development comes in. You can connect sensors to the app which will do all these tasks constantly.

An IoT-based MVP app will connect to all the sensors, gather data from them, store and analyze it. If there are some spikes, it can issue alerts. Users can set up some limits, and get notified when they get close to them. For instance, if they want to use only a certain amount of electricity per month. 

More so, a variety of things people might be interested in about their homes and environments differs greatly. Some people might be concerned with resources. Others might want to track the quality of air, water, or soil in their homes and surroundings. It all becomes possible and efficient with the arrival of IoT apps.

Health and Exercise Trackers

The next big item on the list of popular IoT solutions is health and exercise trackers. Lots of people own watches that synchronize with their smartphones. So this is probably the easiest way to get into IoT business. Watches are equipped to track a variety of indicators such as steps and heart rate, detect different kinds of activities, and count how much time each activity takes place. This data then can be analyzed by an IoT-based MVP app. It can of course store the data to track the activities over time. Also, it can calculate a variety of data and generate recommendations based on it. Users can set their goals and an app can encourage them to achieve them. It is extremely personalized and depends on individual data.

These watches can be manufactured or assembled according to your particular vision. A large part of the IoT business is hardware. There are tons of parts as well as manufacturers available on the market to design unique hardware. Of course, this solution will require more expertise and investment compared to just a web app business, but it also will generate higher revenues and profit margins. The same goes for the previous example of home sensors. You can custom-make a sensor that will track the kinds of data you want and need for your app. 

Other popular IoT Solutions

Depending on your area of expertise, you can find applications for IoT-based MVP apps everywhere. You can use it in agriculture to monitor the quality of soil, air, moisture, and irrigation. You can come up with solutions for waste systems or parking. Sensors can be embedded in trash bins to track the amount of trash and optimize collection times. Virtually every area of life and business can benefit from tracking key data and analyzing it. 

Benefits of Building an IoT MVP app

Because IoT solutions are more complex by definition since they involve hardware parts, they offer unique business benefits compared to only-software solutions. Here is a complete list of business benefits:

1. Differentiation and competitive advantage. Since you design your hardware first, you can assemble a completely unique device. With this kind of product, you can easily tap into completely new markets. Compared to e-commerce or service platforms, where the market is quite saturated; with IoT, you can create your own new market.
2. Varied streams of revenue. IoT starts off with a price tag for a device, and then the app can bring in regular income either through in-app advertising or subscriptions. You can launch in-app ads for users on a free software plan. Next, you can set up a premium subscription for users who want to have an ad-free experience and more features. You can also tap into cross-sales depending on the nature of your app. For instance, if it is health monitors, you can have an online medical consultant or offer a detailed user data analysis. If it is a solution for homes, you can co-partner with local maintenance companies for cross-sales.
3. Long-term reliability of income. IoT comes with a device so it is surely something users will be using for quite some time. It has a good potential to become a habit for the user. Thus, your income is much more secure than a simple web app that users can abandon because of a cat video. Surely, you have different challenges in keeping the user engaged with the device. But these challenges are easier as the users get direct benefits for their lives. 
4. Access to data. You get real-time data of thousands and potentially millions of users. You can easily spot new solid areas for business, or create partnerships. For instance, if your device monitors the quality of water, you can create a partnership with companies that provide solutions for improving water quality. With only-web apps, you hunt for this kind of data. What do the people use? How much? How does it impact their decisions?  Here with IoT, you just have raw real-time data at your fingertips. 

IoT-based MVP App development

The process of an IoT-based MVP app development follows a similar approach to developing an MVP for a web app. You are welcome to read a full article about Custom MVP App Development. But there are still some key differences. Here’s an overview of the process.

Stage 1. Identify the problem and define the value proposition 

Just like with a web app, start by identifying the problem you aim to solve with your IoT-based MVP app. Understand the target audience and define the unique value proposition that your solution will offer. 

The first stage is when you do hypothesis validation. Once you have your idea, the first instinct should be to check whether it is viable against the market and target audience. You can also scope the growth potential of your business idea. Here you can find more details about lean startup hypothesis examples.

At this stage, your vendor will develop a few or all of the following:

–  a Business Requirements Document (BRD) or Proof of Concept or both. 

– prototypes, mockups, user flows, and wireframes. Typically, you will get low-fidelity samples that focus on basic layout and functionality. 

– technical requirements document. 

On average, this stage often takes between 3 to 9 weeks. It depends on what methodology and workflow your vendor is following. Also, it depends on how complicated your project is. 

Stage 2. Design the user experience 

Create user personas and design the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) for your app. Consider the specific hardware devices or sensors that will need to be integrated into the app. Then, design the controls and interactions accordingly. 

First, user personas will be developed. Then,  the wireframes become higher-fidelity and more detailed. They may include specific design elements, typography, and color schemes. At this stage, the UI will also be tested and validated. The stage may take several weeks up to a few months to complete. 

Stage 3. Choose the IoT platform and hardware 

Select a fitting IoT platform. Adhere to your business strategy, app requirements, and integration demands. Identify the hardware that will collect the target data and provide intended features. 

To achieve that, you need to consider the following factors:

• Compatibility: Choosing an IoT platform means choosing an infrastructure to support your IoT solution. It should work smoothly and seamlessly with your selected devices, offer the necessary protocols, and support the desired integrations. The exchange between your hardware and your app on a variety of platforms depends on it.
• Scalability: The main goal of an MVP is to be flexible enough to add more features in the future. Will your app and infrastructure handle adding more devices? Will it still function smoothly if the number of users and data grows? Your solution must be open for future growth. 
• Security: Security is a critical aspect of IoT. Depending on the chosen mode of data transmission, you need to select an appropriate mix of data encryption methods, authentication mechanisms, and security protocols.
• Data Management: The core of IoT solutions is the desire of the user to get the data so that valuable insights can be made. The way your IoT platform handles the data should be in line with key parameters. They are real-time data processing speed, how much storage you have, and what analytics can be provided. All should focus on extracting valuable insights.
• Cost: Each option mentioned above comes with a different cost. Your team should propose a couple of options. It is likely all of them will be functional, with some key differences such as costs and different benefits. Just make sure to account all potential costs such as upfront costs, maintenance, and others. Make sure you stay within budget and in line with your business goals. 

The duration of the 3rd stage can vary. It all depends on the complexity of the IoT solution, the availability of compatible hardware, and scalability potential. It may take several weeks to a few months to thoroughly evaluate different options and make the final decision.

Stage 4. Build the MVP app 

Develop the core features of your app that demonstrate its unique value proposition. This could include setting up device connectivity, data collection, and basic control functionality. Focus on delivering a simplified version of the app to test and validate the concept.

The duration of this stage considering the web app MVP depends on factors such as complexity, number of features, and the team’s expertise. However, if we consider an IoT-based MVP development, there are additional factors. It can be a number of sensors, integration requirements, and underlying infrastructure. All in all, anything that ensures that the IoT solution runs without failures, data loss, or data leaks, and is error-free.

Generally, the integration with IoT devices and the complexity of real-time data processing can extend the development timeline compared to a regular web app.

Stage 5. Integrate and test IoT devices 

Connect and integrate the selected IoT devices with the app. Test their functionality and ensure seamless data exchange between the app and the IoT devices. 

Testing IoT solutions is a much more rigorous process compared to simply testing software solutions. Although, you will be able to release updates for the software part of your product, your hardware integration will be quite costly to manipulate further. In this process, you don’t simply need to find and fix bugs to get an operational version. You need also to check for any vulnerabilities. Here, testing with an emulator is added to the traditional testing strategies. It allows a machine to interact with hardware to mimic a variety of conditions and integration possibilities. You traditionally still have manual and automated testing available. The choice depends on your budget, deadlines, and project requirements.  

Stage 6. Gather user feedback and iterate 

Release the MVP app to a limited set of users or stakeholders. Collect feedback on the user experience, functionality, and performance. Use this feedback to iterate and improve the app for the subsequent versions.

Gathering feedback from users can help identify any issues or shortcomings in the product, which can be addressed through further iterations and refinements. At this stage, developers should expect to receive feedback from users on various aspects of the IoT-based MVP, including usability, functionality, reliability, and scalability.

What do developers focus on when they gather feedback for an IoT MVP app? Here are the key points:

• User Experience: Developers track a variety of indicators regarding the ease of use. It is the main quality indicator of UX. It also shows how engaging and interactive the product is. It allows to further smooth and refine the experience. 

• Performance: For an MVP, this part should be flawless. The speed of loading and transmitting the data, and the reliability of the performance are much more demanding than for regular software. This is because further scalability will heavily depend on it and should provide enough room for growth. In short, all should be implemented with the most efficient resource utilization in mind.

• Functionality: It is important to get feedback on how the product meets the users needs and expectations. Users might feel that they need much more flexibility in editing or setting up particular parts of the product. While for some other features, users might feel that they are redundant.

• Security: Users will store their quite personalized data. It is best to test this point thoroughly for any vulnerabilities or data leaks. Also, make sure there are weak spots for potential breaches. It will save a lot of pain down the road. 

In conclusion, this is the final stage of the IoT MVP app development process. It aims to secure the success of the product. Feedback gathered at this stage will guide your team in fune-tuning the features and functionalities to ensure best possible satisfaction of its target users. 

Differences between an IoT-based MVP development and Web App MVP development

In general, the big picture is pretty similar. You need to get an idea, validate it, plan its accomplishment, find a team to implement it, and monitor and adapt as you go. However, when you add a hardware element to the play, differences start to arise. Integration of sensors and accompanying requirements make the process more complex. Here are the key differences to consider:

Hardware Selection and Integration: 

The most critical aspect of IoT app development is selecting and integrating the IoT devices. This requires careful consideration of compatibility, communication protocols, API integration, and data security issues.

Data Management and Processing:

IoT-based apps deal with large amounts of sensor-generated data. Processing and managing this data efficiently becomes crucial. Ensuring secure data transmission, storage, and analytics are important considerations in the development process.

Connectivity and Communication: 

IoT apps rely on seamless connectivity between devices and the app. Establishing strong connectivity protocols, implementing network protocols (such as MQTT or HTTP), and handling intermittent or low-bandwidth connections are important factors to address.

Testing and Validation: 

Testing an IoT-based MVP app involves not only validating the app’s functionality but also ensuring the proper functioning of the integrated hardware devices

Check out this article for more information on Custom IoT App Design.

5 tips for IoT-based MVP development

Market researcher Statista projected the IoT device population will reach 25.44 billion in 2030. This fact has significant implications for IoT development. It signifies the rapid growth and widespread adoption of IoT technology across various industries and sectors. It means an increasing number of market opportunities, connectivity and interoperability, and an array of other trends. The key is also that the number and kind of third-party services will rise. IoT integration services are one of those. The bigger the market, the more services are built around it to foster its growth. 

Here are 5 tips to join the IoT world in the most efficient way.

Optimize Time to Market by Choosing the Right Hardware

The hardware chosen for the development process will affect the time it takes to create the MVP, and any delays or compatibility issues will slow down the entire process. In the ever-expanding IoT market, finding the perfect hardware components for your project can feel like embarking on an epic quest. Cost, processing power, compatibility, connectivity options – the list goes on. It can be a true test of your team’s decision-making skills.

First and foremost, cost is a crucial consideration. Keep in mind that sometimes, opting for a lower-priced option may mean compromising on some features or requiring much more high-skilled coding, while splurging on cutting-edge hardware might bring unparalleled performance. The choice should be made in line with your business strategy.

Secondly, assessing the processing capabilities of various hardware options is vital to ensure your project can handle the data-intensive tasks it was meant to conquer. Take the time to explore processors that can seamlessly manage your desired functionalities, guaranteeing a smooth and efficient UX.

Thirdly, compatibility and connectivity options are the intertwined threads that enable your IoT ecosystem to flourish. A compatibility matrix should help you work out what hardware will work most harmoniously. Connectivity options such as Wi-fi, Bluetooth, or cellular will determine the reach and accessibility of your IoT solution.

Lastly, size and robustness are important to understand: will your IoT solution thrive in a compact form, or does it require a sturdier design to withstand the elements? Here, you will consider the environmental characteristics of your hardware and the dimensions of all the components. Altogether it will shape the resilience and versatility of your product.

Cracking the Code: Balancing Hardware and Programming for Your IoT-based MVP app

The hardware you choose can either make or break your programming strategy, and it works the other way around too. Picture this: affordable, low-power devices that can handle only compact scripts, usually coded in languages like C and C++. This programming process will demand a lot of programming time and a high degree of expertise. Another option is more expensive and powerful hardware that is flexible enough to include programming languages like Python. This game-changer can save time and money on your development process.

In simple terms, opting for advanced hardware may come at a higher price. Yet, it can significantly speed up your IoT-based MVP app development. It’s all about striking the perfect balance. You can make those tradeoffs based on your unique project goals and circumstances.

Leveraging Third-Party Tools for Effective Data Visualization and Analytics in IoT MVP Development

The IoT market is growing and with it comes a richer choice of third-party services. Thanks to that, you can seamlessly integrate them into your application. It will form the foundation of an exceptional data visualization and analytics strategy. These tools come ready with a great number of perks. They contain features you’ll need for your IoT application. They may include a diverse array of data visualization techniques, granular permissions, assigned control rights, and automated reporting capabilities.

The beauty of utilizing third-party tools lies in their ability to significantly reduce the cost of developing your IoT MVP. Yet, configuration and integration may still require some effort. Starting from scratch can come with a hefty price tag. If you go with the lean methodology, check what’s available to accelerate your path to launch. 

Embracing Versatility: The Power of Cross-Platform Development Toolkits in IoT MVPs

To ensure the success of developing a custom IoT app, one crucial piece of advice is to arm yourself with versatile toolkits for cross-platform development. Gone are the days of creating separate applications for different platforms.  By utilizing cross-platform development, you can efficiently reach a broader audience and maximize the impact of your IoT solution.  Whether it’s iOS, Android, or beyond, these toolkits will enable you to build a robust and unified IoT MVP that stands strong across platforms. For instance, Flutter emerges as an excellent choice. With it, you can streamline your development process, saving valuable time and resources. Though, this is a newer tool. As a relatively new cross-platform toolkit, finding a proficient development team may require investing valuable time and effort.

Adapting Project Goals to Evolving Market Dynamics

The volatile nature of the market underscores the wisdom of opting for a prototype model IoT project or MVP. With economies in flux, new competitors emerging, and rapid advancements in IoT technologies, adaptability is paramount.

In this fast-paced landscape, project goals, requirements, and priorities can swiftly evolve. To ensure efficient time and budget management for developing a custom IoT app, implementing agile response and adaptation practices is crucial. By embracing rapid response strategies, you can navigate market changes effectively and maintain project success.

Final considerations

The article emphasizes the importance of harmonizing your hardware and programming strategies while developing an IoT-based Minimum Viable Product. With the market evolving rapidly, MVPs are crucial for testing IoT solutions and adapting to changing market dynamics. By leveraging MVPs, businesses can save time and resources while securing valuable insights for full-fledged IoT solutions. Ultimately, the article highlights the benefits of a flexible approach that embraces agility, adaptability, and innovation in response to the continually changing market environment.

• When developing an IoT-based MVP, several key factors must be addressed to ensure its success. 
  
• First, consider carefully the process of selecting and integrating IoT devices and sensors. You need to account for compatibility, API integration, communication protocols, and data security. 
  
• Effective data management and processing are also crucial. It’s a good idea to prioritize securely transmitting, storing and analyzing sensor-generated data.
   
• Additionally, seamless connectivity between devices and the app must be established. It will require the implementation of proper network protocols and the handling of various connection issues. 
  
• Finally, testing and validation are a must. It should focus not only on the functionality of the app’s components but also on hardware devices.

Check also our top 20 Myths About Custom MVP App Development: Busted

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