Exhibby case study - MVP for an online art marketplace
Launch first. Expand with proof later
USEO helped Exhibby launch an MVP for an online art platform in 3 months using Ruby on Rails, focused product scope, and five key external integrations
Exhibby case study - MVP for an online art marketplace
Launch first. Expand with proof later. USEO helped Exhibby launch an MVP for an online art platform in 3 months, using Ruby on Rails, a focused product scope, and five key external integrations.
What we did in this project
- Product workshops and scope definition
- MVP planning and delivery
- Backend development in Ruby on Rails
- Frontend development in HTML/CSS and JavaScript
- Deployment on Heroku
- Integration with payment systems and art auction APIs
Project Overview
Exhibby is an online platform for art galleries and auction houses. It enables users to browse collections and buy artworks online. The project mattered because the client needed to enter a competitive market quickly while working within budget constraints.
Exhibby wanted to enter the online art market quickly, but had to do it within a limited budget. We worked with the client to narrow the scope to the features needed for launch and build an MVP that could be extended later.
The Problem
Exhibby needed to launch fast in a competitive online art market, but could not build a full-featured platform all at once. The budget was limited, and time pressure was high because early market entry was strategically important.
The main constraints were:
- Limited budget for a feature-rich product.
- Need to prioritize only the most important features.
- Pressure to launch quickly.
- Need for payment and auction-related integrations from the start.
The Solution
We approached the project as a focused MVP build, not a full platform rollout. That allowed us to connect the product scope directly to the client’s budget and launch constraints.
Scope aligned to launch priorities
We worked closely with the client in workshops and regular meetings to define the core functionality needed for launch. This kept the scope focused on the elements with the highest business value.
MVP built for fast delivery
We used Ruby on Rails, standard frontend technologies, and a monolithic architecture to simplify implementation and speed up delivery. This gave the client a pragmatic path to launch within a short timeframe.
Core integrations included from the start
We integrated five key external services, including payment systems and art auction APIs. This made the MVP operational from the first release.
Tech Overview
The technology choices mattered because the client needed a fast and practical launch path. Ruby on Rails supported quick web application development, Heroku simplified deployment and infrastructure management, and a monolithic architecture reduced implementation complexity at the MVP stage.
"I was most impressed with how professional they were.
Business Benefits
Faster market entry
We delivered the MVP in 3 months, matching the project's need for a fast launch in a competitive market.
Operational product scope from day one
The platform launched with five external integrations, including payments and art auction APIs, so the MVP supported core workflows from the beginning.
Lower delivery risk through MVP scope
The MVP approach allowed the client to test the business model and platform functionality with real users before expanding the product further.
Further development
The current architecture serves as a base for further feature development. Planned next steps include social features, advanced tools for collectors, and expansion to international markets.
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