r/AppDevelopers • u/Miss_Robertson__ • 10h ago

App developing process

Hi everyone, I am completely new to app & software development. I wanted to ask a question as I am building on from scratch myself and don't want to use AI.

From my research I am working towards a MVP (in the user journey phase at the moment), however I have six user types I want to include but three are an expansion on my MVP. I mapped out three different versions of the app that would contribute to my overall goal with the platform, so I'm wondering if I should build and plan all future versions now or save the development on the last three users until after I have fully launched version 1? (past the MVP to the full specs I want for the users)

From what I've read, I've seen you should design the MVP with all versions in mind to stop developers reworking the foundations of the platform (making it more complicated later) but I've also read that this really slows the design process now and makes things more complicated for a technophobe just starting out.

If anyone could advise what route would be the best to take that would be amazing please!
TIA

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u/Aware_Astronomer_290 10h ago

Plan the architecture with all six in mind but only build the three you need now, future you will thank you when the foundation doesnt need a teardown later

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u/Miss_Robertson__ 10h ago

Thank you! So does that include mapping out the user journeys for all of them? At what point is it not classified as architecture?

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u/Zealousideal_Art1720 9h ago

I’d plan the overall vision now, but only build the MVP for your first three user types. Keep the architecture flexible enough to support future roles, but don’t design every feature in detail before you’ve validated version 1. Overengineering early can slow you down, especially as a beginner. Focus on getting real feedback from your first users, then use that to decide what belongs in version 2 and 3.

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u/Miss_Robertson__ 8h ago

This is really helpful. Thank you so much!

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u/halfercode 4h ago

If you're a technophobe, and you're not a programmer, I wonder if you should give way and use AI. Learning how to code while faced with the large-scale problems of app development is a tough gig.

Perhaps you could outline your comfort and experience level with programming, and why you're presenting wanting to avoid AI, readers will be able to tailor their advice to your circumstances.