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How We've Launched 27 Web3 MVPs In 11 Months

A proven 7-step process to build MVPs efficiently with real-life examples of Web3 startups (Farcana, Galaxis, BAM, …) plus tools and workflows that save time, keep users happy, and guarantee results.

Andre Costa

Published on:

Dec 3, 2024

mins read

Development

How We've Launched 27 Web3 MVPs In 11 Months

We have launched 27 MVPs that in total have 2.3M users and have raised $51.9M in funding— in 11 months.

Let me show you how:

A proven 7-step process to build MVPs efficiently.
Real-life examples of Web3 startups (Farcana, Galaxis, BAM, …).
Tools and workflows that save time, keep users happy, and guarantee results.

Step 1: Project Planning Made Simple

Efficient planning is the foundation of your MVP’s success. Here's how to do it:

Start with a Non-Technical PRD:
Instead of diving straight into technical specs, outline your project’s goals, target users, key features, and expected outcomes. This high-level PRD will help your dev team focus on execution.
Leverage AI for Technical Details (Optional):
Use tools like ChatGPT to draft technical elements like:
User stories
- Database schema
- API endpoints
- Tech stack recommendations
Pro Tip: Prompt ChatGPT with “Act as a senior technical PM. Help me plan {project type}.” Then refine the output with your team.

Step 2: Designing a Winning UI

A great UI sets your dApp apart. Here's how to nail it:

Gather Inspiration:
Visit Dribbble or Behance for UI ideas. Choose three designs that match your vision.
Use AI for Ideation:
Input your references into tools like V0.dev with a prompt like:
“Create a dashboard layout similar to these designs, including {specific features}.”
Checklist for Figma:
- Include wireframes, component libraries, and design tokens.
- Label all components clearly for developers.
- Define color schemes, typography, and responsive layouts.

Step 3: Iterative Development with AI

Accelerate development by embracing iteration and AI assistance.

Start with AI-Assisted Coding:
Use tools like GitHub Copilot or Replit Ghostwriter to generate boilerplate code for your dApp and smart contracts. Customize and refine as needed.
Adopt an Iterative Workflow:
Continuously update your roadmap based on user feedback and performance data. This keeps your project agile and responsive to market trends.
Leverage Cursor AI:
Store your best prompts and stack preferences in .cursorrules for faster coding cycles. This personalization saves hours by anticipating your development patterns.

Step 4: Project Management That Scales

Keep the team aligned with smart project management.

Set Up a Notion Workspace:
Use tools like our Notion project tracker (message us to receive it for FREE).
Key sections to include:
Weekly Goals (not daily, to stay flexible).
- Blockers and mitigation plans.
- Upcoming Features and deadlines.
- To-Do's for shared accountability.
Pro Tip: We offer an optimized template we use ourselves—message us to get it for free!
Communicate Effectively:
Ensure all stakeholders have 24/7 access to progress updates, building trust and transparency.

Step 5: The 2-Week Timeline

Shrink your timeline without sacrificing quality.

Week 1:

Plan core features and create designs.
Begin building essential components.
Develop a barebones demo by Day 6.

Week 2:

Refine and expand core features.
Polish the UI and UX for responsiveness.
Prepare for launch by setting up QA (Step 6) and third-party integrations (Step 7).

Secret Weapon: Use the Day 6 Demo to build hype in your community and secure early investor interest.

Step 6: Quality Assurance for Blockchain Projects

Ensure your MVP is bulletproof by combining traditional QA with blockchain-specific tests.

Traditional QA:
- Manual testing of core flows.
- Mobile responsiveness checks.
- Performance optimization.
- Browser compatibility testing.
Blockchain-Specific QA:
- Unit Tests: Validate smart contract logic.
- Integration Tests: Ensure seamless interaction between frontend, backend, and blockchain components.
- Scenario Simulations: Test edge cases like high transaction volumes.
- Testnet Deployment: Deploy on a testnet to identify potential issues in a risk-free environment.

Why This Matters: Combining these steps reduces bugs, prevents vulnerabilities, and creates a smoother user experience.

Step 7: A Seamless Launch Framework

Deliver a flawless launch by integrating smart tools and following a detailed checklist.

Key Tools to Use:

Custom Admin Dashboard:
Tools like Retool or Superblocks help you:
Monitor user activity in real-time.
- Manage administrative tasks efficiently.
Analytics Tools:
- Google Analytics: Understand where your traffic comes from and how users behave.
- Mixpanel: Track Web3-specific events like wallet connections and token transactions.
Error Monitoring:
- Sentry: Identify and fix runtime errors quickly.
- Vercel’s Built-In Tools: Simplify debugging for Next.js projects.
Launch Prep Checklist:
- Verify all QA steps (from Step 6).
- Ensure production deployment is fully tested.
- Have marketing materials and community channels ready.
- Plan clear go-live communication.