MVP Development Guide

What Is an MVP?

A Minimum Viable Product is the simplest version of your product that delivers value to users and allows you to learn from real usage. It's not a prototype or demo—it's a working product with only the essential features.

Why Build an MVP?

Validate Assumptions

You think you know what users want. An MVP tests that assumption with real users before you invest heavily.

Faster to Market

Launch in months, not years. Start getting feedback and customers while competitors are still planning.

Lower Risk

If your assumptions are wrong, you've invested less. Pivoting is easier and cheaper.

Focus

Limited scope forces you to identify what truly matters. Cuts through feature bloat.

How to Define Your MVP

1. Identify the Core Problem

What is the #1 problem you're solving? Everything else is secondary.

2. Define Your Target Users

Who are your earliest adopters? What do they specifically need?

3. List All Features

Brainstorm every feature you can think of. Get it all out.

4. Prioritize Ruthlessly

For each feature, ask:

• Does this solve the core problem?
• Can users succeed without it?
• Will early adopters pay for this alone?

5. Cut More

You haven't cut enough. Question every feature again. An MVP should feel uncomfortable—like you're launching too early.

MVP Feature Categories

Must Have (MVP)

The product literally cannot work without these. Users cannot achieve the core value proposition.

Should Have (V1.1)

Important for a good experience, but early adopters will tolerate the absence.

Nice to Have (Later)

Would improve the product but aren't essential. Add based on user feedback.

Probably Won't Need

Features you think you need but probably don't. Wait for users to request them.

What an MVP Is NOT

• Not a prototype: MVPs are fully functional, production-quality products
• Not a demo: Real users can accomplish real tasks
• Not a beta: It's a complete (if minimal) product, not a test version
• Not low quality: Fewer features, but those features work well

Common MVP Mistakes

Too Many Features

The most common mistake. If you can't describe your MVP in one sentence, it's too big.

Perfectionism

Polishing features that aren't validated. Launch and learn instead.

Building What You Want

Instead of what users need. Talk to users, not just your team.

No Success Metrics

How will you know if the MVP is working? Define metrics before launch.

No Learning Plan

Launching is just the start. How will you gather feedback and iterate?

After MVP Launch

Measure

• User engagement and retention
• Feature usage patterns
• Customer feedback and requests
• Conversion and revenue

Learn

• What's working? Double down.
• What's not? Fix or remove.
• What are users asking for?
• What assumptions were wrong?

Iterate

• Prioritize based on data, not opinions
• Small, fast iterations
• Continue validating with users