Version 1.0
The first iPhone was released in 2007 as iPhone version 1.0. Today, the latest iteration from Apple, the iPhone 14, is now available. Whether or not the “upgrades” to a new version are a cash grab or not, I think most of us can agree that there is a significant leap in functionality, technology, and user experience between version 1.0 and version 14.
Iteration Cycles
One of my favorite books is the Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman. In this book, he explains the importance of iteration cycles. An iteration cycle is simply the evaluation of the results from an established goal. During the evaluation, you decide to keep or discard the variables that influenced the outcome. Then you repeat the cycle until the established goal meets your highest standards.
For example, I could create an app that tracks my mood and gives recommendations for mood-boosting activities at low points throughout the day. I would be unable to improve this app without having a clearly defined goal, testing it, and improving upon it over time. This also goes into the importance of having a vision for an MVP or Minimal Viable Product that can go to market and be tested by early users. Sometimes, other people need a glimpse of what we are working on so we can improve it.
It’s important to accept that what you are creating (if it’s not rocket science or high-precision work) will likely require several iteration cycles to produce its final form. People bought the iPhone 1, and people are likely to continue to buy future iterations of the iPhone.
There is no best version without your first version. Keep building.