Building Viewport and sustainable software

At Viewport, we believe that software should be built slowly and sustainably. As a bootstrap and self-funded company, our approach is grounded in creating useful tools and engaging directly with our customers. Here’s a glimpse into our journey, how our unique approach sets us apart, and the personal experiences that inspired Viewport’s creation.

The philosophy of slow and sustainable growth

Focused Development: Building slowly allows us to focus on quality over quantity. We prioritize developing features that genuinely add value to our users. This method ensures that every aspect of Viewport is thoughtfully designed and rigorously tested before release.

Sustainable Practices: Sustainability is at the core of our development process. By avoiding the pressures of rapid scaling and external funding, we maintain control over our vision and direction. This approach helps us create a product that meets the long-term needs of our users without compromising on quality.

Customer-Centric Approach: Speaking directly with our customers is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We believe that the best way to build useful tools is to understand the real-world challenges and needs of our users. This direct feedback loop informs our development process, ensuring that Viewport evolves in a way that truly benefits our community.

The power of a small, agile team

Fast Iteration: As a team of two, we value fast iteration. Our lean structure allows us to quickly test various assumptions, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments. This agility enables us to respond swiftly to user needs and market changes, ensuring that Viewport remains relevant and effective.

Direct Communication: With a small team, communication is direct and efficient. Decisions are made quickly, and there’s no bureaucratic overhead to slow us down. This streamlined approach enhances our ability to innovate and deliver new features rapidly.

Personal Investment: Being self-funded means we are personally invested in Viewport’s success. Every decision we make is driven by our commitment to creating a product that we are proud of and that our users love. This personal investment fuels our passion and dedication, driving us to continuously improve and refine Viewport.

The designer’s pain points and the birth of Viewport

Viewport was born out of the personal pain points faced by its founder—a designer struggling to see their own process and get better feedback. This firsthand experience highlighted the need for a tool that could simplify the design workflow and enhance feedback mechanisms.

Designing for Designers: Created by a designer who understands the nuances of the creative process, Viewport is designed with a deep appreciation for the small, consistent actions that lead to greater success. This perspective ensures that every feature is practical, intuitive, and genuinely beneficial to the design community.

Addressing Real Needs: The challenges of organizing creative work and obtaining actionable feedback inspired the core functionalities of Viewport. By addressing these real needs, we ensure that our product truly resonates with and supports designers in their daily work.

Why we're stuck on Viewport

Viewport isn’t just another design tool; it’s a testament to our belief in sustainable software development and the personal journey of a designer seeking better tools. By building slowly, engaging directly with customers, and valuing fast iteration, we create a product that truly meets the needs of designers.

Building things we use ourselves: Our focus on utility ensures that every feature in Viewport addresses a specific need. From organized project boards to integrated comment threads, the platform is designed to simplify the design process and enhance productivity.

Building for people: Direct customer feedback shapes our development roadmap. We've been deliberate in building slowly while getting feedback with each update. We seek to listen to our users, understand their challenges, and build solutions that make a real difference in their workflow.

Building for craft: Slow and sustainable growth allows us to maintain high standards of quality. We meticulously test each feature, ensuring that Viewport is reliable, robust, and ready to support the creative process of our users.

We're just getting started

Although we've been hacking on this idea for a few years now, we feel we've barely scratched the surface of what this product can be. We're focused on building a useful product and calm company that's sustainable and focused on long-term goals. We'd love for you to be apart of the journey.