You’re in the meeting room and you hear someone say: “We need an MVP for this.”. Has it already happened to you? You may have wondered: What the hell is an MVP and why is everyone talking about it? Today we’re going to unravel this concept and, more importantly, show you how to use it to make your next launch a success (without running out of budget halfway through).
What is a minimum viable product (MVP)?
An minimum viable product (MVP) is, basically, the functional skeleton of your product. It is the most basic version that meets the minimum needs of your users. It has no luxuries, no extras, but it does the job. Its mission: to help you test your idea as soon as possible and with the least amount of resources. In other words: Test fast and fail fast and cheap.
Definition of MVP in agile
In agile environments, the MVP is your best friend when you want to validate hypotheses. It allows you to obtain real feedback without the need to build a complete product that, spoiler, maybe no one needs.
An MVP in real life: the example of luggage
Imagine you are going on a trip. Oier told us how, to climb in the Atlas, he decided to carry the bare minimum in his backpack: boots, mountain clothes, a first aid kit and a change of clothes. Was it comfortable? No. But it allowed him to accomplish his goal without relying on the suitcase (which ended up on another continent). This is MVP in its purest form: the essentials to validate whether you can complete your goal, no frills, no extras.
When and why should you use an MVP?
Is it necessary in every project? Not always, but when you are working with limited resources or need to validate if your idea has traction, the MVP is your best ally.
Key benefits of implementing an MVP early
- Validation without wasteYou launch the minimum necessary to see if the market responds.
- Saving resourcesYou focus on what is important, leaving the “nice to have” for later.
- Real feedbackYou learn fast and adjust without wasting time and money.
Signs that your project needs an MVP
If you have an idea you want to test in a new market or with an audience you don’t know, start with an MVP. It’s also useful if your team is debating between different features and you need real data to decide.
Case studies of successful MVPs
Airbnb started with a simple website to rent an inflatable mattress. Dropbox created an explanatory video before developing their platform. Both MVPs validated their ideas without spending more than necessary.
How to define and create an effective MVP?
Creating an MVP is not just about cutting features. It is an art that involves knowing what is really important.
Steps to identify the minimum required value
- Define the problem you want to solve.
- Select the key functionalities that solve that problem.
- Test and prioritize what provides the most value using tools such as RICE.
Common mistakes when implementing an MVP
- Everything is not an MVPYou can’t include everything. Be selective.
- Advance functionalities: Do you really need that login from day 1? Test it first.
- Ignoring user feedbackDon’t assume what your customer wants. Ask him.
How to get useful feedback from users?
Launch your MVP and listen. Use surveys, interviews or even observe how they interact with your product. This is not a passive exercise; valuable insights come from constant interaction.
Differences between MVP and other key concepts
It is easy to confuse an MVP with other concepts, such as the minimum marketable product (MMP). minimum marketable product (MMP). Let’s make it clear.
Minimum Marketable Product (MMP) vs. MVP: When to use each one?
The MVP is the bare minimum to validate your idea; the MMP is the least you can market. One helps you learn, the other helps you sell. Both are essential at different stages.
Differences between minimum viable product and minimum functionality
While the MVP is a product in its entirety, the minimum minimum functionality is just one specific feature. Do not confuse simplifying with subtracting value.
MVP Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Implementing an MVP can be challenging, but with the right practices, you can maximize its potential.
How to pivot based on feedback
Feedback is not just for listening; it’s for acting. If users don’t find value in your MVP, it’s time to pivot. Learn fast and adjust your course.
Examples of poorly implemented MVPs and their lessons learned
When an MVP is not aligned with user needs, it becomes a waste. Avoid the mistake of launching an incomplete product that solves nothing.
Conclusion
The minimum viable product is not just a tool, it’s a philosophy. It allows you to validate ideas, learn quickly and adjust your course before it’s too late. And, best of all, you do it without wasting resources. Ready to apply this strategy to your next project?
And if you want to know more, we leave you this video where Victor and I discuss minimum viable product.
