A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a concept used to define the smallest set of features or requirements necessary to deliver value to customers and gather validated learning. The MVP is not just about releasing a simplified version of a product—it’s about creating a testable solution that allows a team to quickly confirm or refute assumptions with real users.
Purpose and Characteristics
- Focused on Learning – Built to test hypotheses about user needs and preferences.
- Reduces Time-to-Feedback – Released quickly to gain insight before full investment.
- Delivers Core Value – Includes only features necessary to solve the primary user problem.
- Supports Iteration – Designed to evolve based on what users actually want.
Example Scenarios
- A rideshare startup launches with only core ride-booking functionality and excludes driver ratings or promotions to validate user demand first.
- A SaaS tool releases a basic dashboard with CSV export and waits for user feedback before building integrations and advanced reporting.
MVP vs. MMF vs. MBI
| Concept | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| MVP | Learning | Test core assumptions quickly |
| MMF | Marketability | Deliver smallest usable feature for users |
| MBI | Business Value | Deliver smallest increment that impacts business goals |
Mermaid Diagram: MVP Validation Loop
flowchart LR A[Identify Assumptions] --> B[Build MVP] B --> C[Release to Early Users] C --> D[Collect Feedback] D --> E[Refine Product or Pivot]
Why MVPs Matter
- Accelerate Validation – Enables faster discovery of what works and what doesn’t.
- Conserve Resources – Avoids overbuilding before knowing what customers value.
- Enable Agile Planning – Sets a baseline for iterative development based on real usage.
See also: Minimum Marketable Feature (MMF), Minimum Business Increment (MBI), Incremental Approach, Customer Validation.