Hey, it's Nemanja here again, continuing our LimoExpress story. Last time, I shared how we tackled the initial challenges and assembled our dedicated team. Now, let's talk about the crucial phase: evolving our UX sketches into a functional prototype. This step was not just about coding; it was about bringing the vision to life.
Our ambitious goal was to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within an extended month and get it into the hands of our first client for some initial testing and early feedback. The key feature? Integrating Google Maps to calculate driving distances and setting up a system for instant push notifications. It sounds straightforward, however, the reality proved to be quite challenging. We encountered complex coding issues, and it was crucial for us to ensure that these key features functioned perfectly, as they were essential for the success of our app.
We relied heavily on efficient development practices. Using Vuetify for frontend development and Material Design for our mobile interface allowed us to repurpose existing code. This approach was a time-saver, crucial for meeting our tight deadline. However, we quickly learned that saving time on one front could lead to challenges on another.
Setting up the infrastructure was a journey in itself. It wasn't just about getting the servers up and running. We had to make countless decisions on UI elements and user experience. Every small choice, from button placement to color schemes, led to lively discussions within the team. These details might seem minor, but they are the building blocks of how users interact with LimoExpress.
As the development progressed, our team's dynamic played a pivotal role. We found ourselves in a fluid state of collaboration, with roles and responsibilities adapting to the day's needs. This agility was vital in navigating the tight timeline and complex development tasks. When the prototype was finally in the hands of our first client, it was a moment of truth. Their feedback was more than just comments on a product; it was a validation of our efforts and a guide for our next steps. Each piece of feedback, whether it was praise or critique, was a valuable insight that shaped our approach to refining LimoExpress.
After receiving initial feedback, we turned our thoughts to the next big step: introducing LimoExpress to the market. We've dreamed, designed, and developed; now it's time for the market to have its say. But, let's save that story for the next chapter.
Again, thank you for following our journey. We hope our story sparks inspiration in fellow entrepreneurs. It's not an easy path, but it's definitely a thrilling one. As usual - stay tuned! 🙂
💡 Previous chapters:
Chapter 1: Starting from Scratch: LimoExpress
Chapter 2: The Birth of LimoExpress: Concept to Blueprint
Chapter 3: Overcoming Early Challenges: Building the Team and Financing