The scope of application of Lean Startup

Lean startup originated from the Internet industry and is a new model of software development. But the "customer verification" idea behind it is applied in a large number of non-IT fields. For example, in the filming of American TV series, a pilot film of dozens of minutes is often shot to explain the main character relationships, conflicts, and story background. Then dozens of audiences are invited to participate in a small-scale test screening, and decisions are made based on audience feedback. What changes need to be made to the plot, whether the actors need to be adjusted, and whether to decide whether to shoot. At the end of each season, the producers will decide whether to cancel the show or order a new season based on ratings and audience opinions. This weekly filming and season broadcasting model leaves all decision-making power to the audience, minimizing the investment and failure costs of the producer. It is a typical lean entrepreneurial approach.

In general, lean entrepreneurship is suitable for areas where customer needs change rapidly but development is not difficult, such as software, film and television, financial services and other fields. In China, in addition to Internet companies, "Tonight Hotel Specials" in the hotel management field are developed using this small-step trial and error method. Some traditional companies such as China CITIC Bank Credit Card Center use lean entrepreneurship to innovate credit card products and customer services. And solidify the three magic weapons into the project management mechanism.

Since Lean Startup requires frequent customer verification, it is not suitable for some jobs where customer verification costs are high or technical implementation is difficult. For example, in large-scale events, the service customers are all athletes, but it is difficult to obtain frequent feedback from them. Another example is aerospace engineering. Customer needs are relatively clear and clear. The main difficulty lies in the technical implementation and docking control of the aircraft.