MVP Plan for HushClub

1. Core Features and Functionality

Essential Features for MVP

• User Registration and Authentication: Secure sign-up with anonymity options (email/password or social media logins).
• Voice Note Sharing: Users can record and post voice notes while ensuring anonymity.
• Community Feed: A feed displaying voice notes from other users, allowing for listening and engaging without revealing identities.
• Feedback Mechanism: Users can provide feedback on voice notes through anonymous reactions (e.g., thumbs up, comforting emojis).
• Robust Security Measures: Implement data anonymization for voice notes and ensure compliance with GDPR and HIPAA.

Deferred Features for Future Versions

• Premium Subscription Model: Advanced features like exclusive emotional support groups, expert-led Q&As, etc., can be rolled out based on user feedback.
• Geo-location Based Communities: Future targeted support based on user location.
• Gamification Elements: Badges or rewards for active users to encourage engagement.

User Journey and Key Use Cases

• User Journey:

  1. New users install the app from the app store.
  2. First-time setup involves engaging in an onboarding tutorial for a seamless experience.
  3. After registration, users can explore the community feed.
  4. Users can record a voice note sharing personal experiences anonymously and listen to others’ voice notes.
  5. Feedback mechanism allows users to react to voice notes.

• Key Use Cases:

  • User Shares Personal Experience: A user named Emma shares her battle with anxiety via voice note, receiving supportive feedback.
  • User Listens and Engages: Sam, a counselor, listens to voice notes to provide anonymous encouragement to users needing support.

Technical Requirements at a High Level

• Frontend: React and React Native for web and mobile apps.
• Backend: Node.js with Express for server, API design, and database communication.
• Database: PostgreSQL for user data and voice note storage.
• Cloud Hosting: AWS for scalable application and database hosting.
• Voice Processing API: Twilio/Agora for audio hosting and playback.

2. Feature Prioritization

MoSCoW Analysis

• Must-have:

  • User registration
  • Voice note sharing
  • Community feed
  • Security measures

• Should-have:

  • Feedback mechanism
  • Basic moderation tools

• Could-have:

  • Search and filter options for voice notes
  • User profiles with customizable anonymity settings

• Won’t-have:

  • Premium features (e.g., emotional support groups) initially

Reasoning Behind Prioritization

The MVP focuses on providing users with core functionalities that enable a safe community for sharing mental health experiences. Advanced features can be developed based on initial user feedback and engagement.

Dependencies Between Features

• User registration must be completed before users can access voice note sharing and the community feed.
• Feedback mechanism relies on the community feed having active voice notes for interaction.

3. Development Timeline and Milestones

Realistic Timeline for MVP Development

• Phase 1: Planning (4 weeks):

  • Finalize requirements
  • Design UI/UX mockups

• Phase 2: Development (8 weeks):

  • Frontend and backend development of core features
  • Implement security and robustness measures

• Phase 3: Testing (4 weeks):

  • Alpha testing within the team
  • Beta testing with a limited group of users for feedback

• Phase 4: Launch (1 week):

  • Finalize marketing strategy
  • Launch the MVP

Key Milestones

• Completion of UI mockups
• Core feature development complete
• Beta testing finished with feedback collected
• Live launch of HushClub

4. Success Metrics and Validation Criteria

KPIs to Measure MVP Success

• User Acquisition: Target of 1,000 active users within the first three months post-launch.
• Engagement Rate: Average of 5 voice notes shared per user in the first month.
• Retention Rate: 30% of users returning after the first month.
• Feedback Collection: 100 pieces of user feedback to inform future features within the first month.

User Feedback Collection Methods

• In-app surveys post-usage
• User interviews with early adopters
• Analytic tools to track usage patterns

Criteria for Iterating or Pivoting

• If user acquisition remains below expectations for more than a month.
• Consistently low engagement rates despite marketing efforts. Feedback suggesting significant deficits in user experience or critical features.

5. Resource Requirements

Team Composition Needed for Development

• Frontend Developer: 1
• Backend Developer: 1
• UI/UX Designer: 1
• QA Tester: 1
• Community Manager: 1 (part-time)

Estimated Budget Range

• Total Estimated Budget: $150,000 - $200,000, including salaries, technology infrastructure, and marketing.

Third-party Tools or Services

• Payment Processing: Stripe for handling subscriptions.
• Voice API: Twilio for voice note processing.
• User Authentication: Firebase for authentication management.

Technical Infrastructure Needs

• AWS hosting account (EC2, RDS).
• Development tools (e.g., GitHub for version control).

By focusing on these essential components, HushClub can develop a viable MVP that addresses users’ needs while providing a foundation for future enhancements. Through a strategic launch and iteration strategy, HushClub can validate its concept and grow its user base effectively.