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From Zero to Prototype: Bring Your Software Startup Idea to Life
Arun Ganesan
Arun Ganesan
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From Zero to Prototype: Bring Your Software Startup Idea to Life

Develop a software startup idea into a prototype by researching the problem, understanding users, and designing effective solutions iteratively.

Register today
Apply now
Tuesdays
 at
6:00
P.M.
 ET /
3:00
P.M.
PT
8 weeks, 2-3 hours per week
Intermediate
No experience required
No experience required
Some experience required
Degree and experience required

Description

You have a software product idea that you want to develop into a real product. Where do you even start? The truth is that it’s straightforward once you learn the process. It helps if you have Computer Science, Software Engineering, Design or Business or have previously acquired skills in one of these areas.

Every day, talented people work on countless software startup ideas, yet most fail. Using tools like the design process and user research can help teams move quickly and avoid common pitfalls that derail projects. In this Build project, you’ll take on the role of a digital product designer, applying the design process to software development. You’ll start by researching users, move through ideation sessions and ultimately build a prototype to pitch to a wider audience. The outcome will be an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)—not necessarily a finished product, but a foundation to introduce the essential tools and methods needed to build one successfully.

After 8 weeks, you’ll be able to apply this process to develop product ideas in any industry and tackle various problems. If you’re pursuing product manager or product designer roles, this project will also serve as a valuable addition to your portfolio.

Session timeline

  • Applications open
    December 1, 2024
  • Application deadline
    January 15, 2025
  • Project start date
    Week of July 8, 2024
    Week of
    February 3, 2025
  • Project end date
    Week of

What you will learn

  • Turn an idea for a software application to a digital Figma prototype
  • Conduct research with software users to understand their needs and contexts
  • Come up with creative ideas for software applications
  • Pitch a software product concept to an audience through effective storytelling

Project workshops

1
Introductions
2
Research the Problem
3
Brainstorm Potential Solutions
4
Sketch Initial Ideas
5
Develop Your Ideas
6
Refine Your Solution
7
Finalize Details and Design Presentation
8
Present and ‘Ship’ Your Deliverables

Prerequisites

  • Design Tool: Experience using a design tool such as Balsamiq or Figma for at least 1 project you have done, in school or outside.
  • Presentation: Experience using a presentation tool such as PowerPoint or Keynote for at least 2 presentations.
  • Industry Knowledge: Some familiarity of the industry of your product idea. If you do not know anything about medical field but you want to make software for physicians, it’s likely out of scope for this class.
  • User Access and Knowledge: Access and knowledge of potential users for research

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About the expert

Arun Ganesan is a Computer Science Build Fellow at Open Avenues, where he works with students leading projects in Computer Systems Engineering/Architecture. Arun is also a software consultant at Odin Systems, where he focuses on leading and supporting software projects.

Arun has over 8 years of experience working in startups and the tech industry in the SF Bay Area. Starting as a programmer, he fell in love with design and applies his passion for design, product, and engineering to create complex software for industries such as healthcare, education, and energy.

He holds an MBA with a focus on Startups and Venture Capital, a master’s in Human-Computer Interaction, and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Computer Engineering with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Outside of work, when he’s not making someone laugh or brooding/reading in a dark room, he’s prone to being inspired and possessed by random, meaningless pursuits—like hiking cinder cones barefoot for no real reason.

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