Development of a Cross-Platform Location-Based Social Networking MVP

A startup with a focus on social connectivity seeks a low-cost, rapid development solution to validate a proximity-based social network idea. The client operates within the technology sector and has limited resources to develop and deploy a mobile app that supports user proximity detection and social interaction features within a tight timeline.

A startup or emerging enterprise aiming to quickly launch a location-based social networking platform to test market viability.

• Create a cross-platform mobile application enabling users to connect based on physical proximity within a limited timeframe.
• Deliver the MVP within three months to facilitate early market testing and hypothesis validation.
• Ensure the solution is cost-efficient while maintaining core social networking functionalities.
• Leverage existing backend services to streamline development and focus on business logic implementation.
• Achieve a functional prototype capable of gathering initial user engagement data to inform further development.

• Cross-platform support (iOS and Android) via a single codebase framework.
• Geolocation integration enabling real-time proximity detection of users.
• User profiles and social interaction capabilities (e.g., messaging, connecting).
• Backend services to handle user data, location updates, and connectivity logic.
• Usage of Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform focusing on rapid development and deployment.
• Real-time notifications and activity feeds based on proximity events.

• Geolocation API for real-time user proximity detection
• Push notification services for user engagement
• User authentication and profile management systems
• Analytics tools for tracking user engagement metrics

• App must support quick location updates with minimal latency.
• Backend infrastructure must scale to support increasing user base without degradation.
• User data must be protected with secure authentication and data handling protocols.
• Ensure high availability and minimal downtime during initial testing phase.

By delivering a functional, cross-platform MVP within three months, the project aims to enable early market testing of the location-based social network concept. The initial deployment will facilitate user engagement analysis, providing insights to refine features and improve market fit, ultimately supporting a cost-effective validation process for future scaling and feature expansion.