Product
MVP
Also known as: Minimum Viable Product
Plain English
The simplest glossaryVersionA version is a specific iteration of software or a product at a point in time.Open glossary term of your product people can use so you can learn what works.
Definition
An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest glossaryVersionA version is a specific iteration of software or a product at a point in time.Open glossary term of a product that delivers real value to users while allowing teams to test assumptions and learn quickly. It focuses on solving a core problem with minimal effort, helping teams validate what works before glossaryScalingScaling is the process of growing a product or system to handle increased demand without compromising performance or experience. It applies to technology, users, and operations.Open glossary term development.
In practice
Used to launch quickly with a focused set of glossaryFeatureA feature is a specific piece of functionality within a product that delivers value to users. It represents something users can do or experience as part of the overall product.Open glossary term, gather real user glossaryFeedbackFeedback is the system response that informs users about the result of their actions. It helps users understand what has happened and what to do next.Open glossary term, and validate whether the product solves a meaningful problem before investing further.
In context
It comes up in scoping, usually as a challenge. Someone lists twelve glossaryFeatureA feature is a specific piece of functionality within a product that delivers value to users. It represents something users can do or experience as part of the overall product.Open glossary term for the first glossaryReleaseA release is the point at which a product or feature is made available to users. It marks the transition from development to real-world use and often involves deployment, communication, and monitoring.Open glossary term and the question that cuts through is: which of these do we need to learn whether anyone wants this at all?
The reality
Most teams get MVP wrong. They either overbuild and lose speed, or underbuild and learn nothing. A true MVP is about learning fast, not building less.
Compared with
MVP vs Prototype
A glossaryPrototypeA prototype is an early version of a product used to test ideas, interactions, and concepts.Open glossary term is built to be shown and thrown away; an MVP is built to be used. The prototype tests whether an idea is understood, the MVP tests whether it is wanted.
MVP vs Proof of Concept
A glossaryProof of Concept (PoC)A proof of concept (PoC) is a small-scale experiment used to demonstrate that an idea, technology, or approach is feasible. It focuses on validating whether something can work, rather than whether it should be built.Open glossary term answers whether something can be built. An MVP assumes it can, and asks whether it should be, by putting it in front of paying or returning users.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is an MVP in product development?
An MVP is the simplest usable glossaryVersionA version is a specific iteration of software or a product at a point in time.Open glossary term of a product that allows teams to test ideas and learn from real users.
What is the purpose of an MVP?
The purpose is to validate assumptions, reduce risk, and learn what users actually need.
What should be included in an MVP?
Only the core glossaryFeatureA feature is a specific piece of functionality within a product that delivers value to users. It represents something users can do or experience as part of the overall product.Open glossary term required to solve the main user problem and test key assumptions.
What is the difference between an MVP and a prototype?
A glossaryPrototypeA prototype is an early version of a product used to test ideas, interactions, and concepts.Open glossary term explores ideas, while an MVP is a working product that delivers real value.
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