MVP stands for "minimum viable product": the smallest version of a product that real users can use and that tells you whether the idea is worth more investment.
What an MVP is not
- Not a demo or mock-up. Real users use it for a real task.
- Not low quality. It does fewer things, but does them properly and securely.
A simple way to define it
- 1Write one sentence: "[User] can [do something] so that [benefit]."
- 2List every step the user takes to get that benefit.
- 3Keep only the steps without which the benefit disappears. Everything else goes to a "later" list.
What usually goes into "later"
| Usually later | Why |
|---|---|
| Advanced reports | You don't yet know which numbers matter |
| Many payment options | One reliable option is enough to learn |
| Native apps on both platforms | A good mobile web app often comes first |
| Complex permission levels | Few users at the start |
Measure, then decide
Decide in advance what result would mean "continue", "change" or "stop". Without this, every result looks like success.
Planning your first version? Tell us about it and we'll help you cut the scope.