We are building MVP(Minimum Viable Product), here are the features.

In the world of digital product development, the term MVP (Minimum Viable Product) has become a buzzword, often thrown around in discussions between Product Managers (PMs) or Product Owners and developers. But amidst the flurry of conversations about features and timelines, are we losing sight of what MVP truly means?

Introduced to the startup community back in 2008, the concept of Minimum Viable Product was revolutionary in its simplicity: instead of embarking on lengthy development cycles, focus on delivering a product with just enough features to satisfy early adopters. The idea was to validate assumptions quickly, iterate based on feedback, and ultimately reduce the risk of building something that nobody wants.

However, in practice, the term MVP seems to have been diluted. Rather than emphasizing problem-solving and value proposition, discussions often revolve around defining a subset of features to develop and delivering them within a set timeframe. This approach misses the essence of MVP and can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities.

True MVP development should be centered around understanding the customer’s pain points, identifying the core problem the product seeks to solve, and delivering a solution that acts as a true painkiller, not just a vitamin supplement. It’s about prioritizing features based on their potential to provide significant value to users, rather than simply checking boxes on a list.

Product Managers and developers alike must shift their focus from a checklist of features to a deeper understanding of user needs and desires. Instead of asking, “What features can we include?” they should be asking, “What problem are we solving, and how can we solve it with the least amount of effort?”

Having product measurement tools like Google Analytics or Amplitude to gauge the funnel is crucial for understanding engagement, user flows, and retention rates. Building a product without measurement is akin to creating something solely for display. There are several methods to measure Product/Market Fit; I typically utilize NPS (Net Promoter Score) and engage in direct calls with actively involved users with my Product.

By embracing this mindset, teams can create MVPs that are truly minimal yet viable, allowing for rapid iteration and continuous improvement based on real user feedback. This not only reduces the time and resources spent on development but also increases the likelihood of building a successful and sustainable product in the long run.

In conclusion, let’s not let the term MVP become just another buzzword. Instead, let’s reclaim its true meaning and use it as a guiding principle for building products that truly matter to our users. It’s time to shift our focus from features to value, from timelines to problem-solving, and truly embrace the essence of Minimum Viable Product development.

I am still in love with the quote from YC(Y-Combinator), “Build Something People Want / Build Product & Talk to Users”. Have a nice day everyone.