tech

MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

The smallest version of a product that delivers value and lets you learn from real users.

Definition

An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest version of a product that lets you test the core value proposition with real users and learn from their response. Popularized by The Lean Startup. The principle: stop guessing what the market wants, ship something minimal, see what happens, iterate. Common misuse: 'MVP' as an excuse to ship broken product. The 'V' in MVP is Viable - it has to actually work and deliver value, just narrowly.

In your business

  • MVP must be Viable - actually deliver value, even narrowly
  • Define what you're learning before building - an MVP that doesn't answer a question is just a small product
  • Iterate based on user behavior, not user opinions - what they do beats what they say

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