As governments around the world continue to embrace digital transformation, the concept of “Government as a Service” (GaaS) has emerged as a way to provide citizens with better access to government services and information. Developing a minimum viable product (MVP) is a critical step towards delivering better services and information to citizens.
Using MVPs to Secure Quick Wins
One of the key benefits of developing an MVP is the ability to achieve quick wins in delivering government services. Quick wins are small, tangible improvements that can be delivered quickly, with minimal effort and resources. Quick wins are important because they allow government agencies to demonstrate progress and build momentum towards larger, more complex projects. By delivering quick wins, agencies can build trust and credibility with citizens and stakeholders, and demonstrate their commitment to improving services and information.
When developing an MVP, it’s important to focus on quick wins. This means identifying the most pressing problems that citizens are facing and developing solutions that can be delivered quickly and easily. By focusing on quick wins, agencies can show citizens that they are listening and responding to their needs, and that progress is being made towards improving services and information. This can be done by:
- Mapping the process using a process mapping canvas,
- Identifying the pain points using an empathy map,
- And prioritising the pain points on a Pain vs Frequency matrix
One example of a quick win in the context of GaaS could be developing a simple tool or application that simplifies a particular process, such as applying for a permit or license. By reducing the time and effort required to complete the process, citizens will have a more positive experience and be more likely to engage with government services in the future.
Another example of a quick win could be improving the user experience of a particular government website or portal. By making small, incremental improvements to the user interface or navigation, citizens will have an easier time finding the information they need and completing tasks online.
In this blog post, we will explore the process of developing an MVP in the context of GaaS to quickly test and validate new ideas and concepts:
Step 1: Identify the problem
The first step in developing an MVP is to identify the problem you are trying to solve. This could be a specific pain point that citizens are experiencing when trying to access government services or information. For example, citizens may find it difficult to navigate multiple government websites to find the information they need. By identifying this problem, you can begin to develop a solution that addresses it.
Step 2: Define the MVP
Once you have identified the problem, the next step is to define the MVP. This means determining the minimum set of features and functionality that will allow you to test and validate your idea. It’s important to keep the MVP simple and focused on solving the identified problem. This could mean developing a basic website or application that provides easy access to government information, or a tool that simplifies a particular process.
Step 3: Develop the MVP
With the MVP defined, the next step is to develop it. This could involve building a basic prototype or mockup of the solution, or using existing tools and platforms to create a minimum viable product. It’s important to keep the development process agile and iterative, testing and refining the MVP based on feedback from users and stakeholders.
Step 4: Test and validate
Once the MVP has been developed, it’s time to test and validate it. This could involve conducting user testing and gathering feedback from citizens and stakeholders. It’s important to be open to feedback and willing to make changes based on what you learn during this testing phase.
Step 5: Iterate and improve
Based on the feedback gathered during the testing phase, it’s time to iterate and improve the MVP. This could involve adding new features or functionality, or simplifying existing processes. The goal is to continue refining the MVP until it meets the needs of users and stakeholders, while remaining focused on solving the identified problem.
Step 6: Launch and scale
Once the MVP has been refined and validated, it’s time to launch it and scale it up to reach a larger audience. This could involve partnering with other government agencies or organizations, or leveraging existing platforms and channels to promote the MVP.
In conclusion, quick wins are a critical component of MVP development in the context of Government as a Service. By focusing on quick wins, agencies can build trust and credibility with citizens and stakeholders, and demonstrate their commitment to improving services and information. By delivering quick wins, agencies can also build momentum towards larger, more complex projects, and achieve lasting improvements in the delivery of government services and information.