How to Define an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

The MVP is your best ally to validate an idea quickly and cost-effectively. But how do you distinguish the essential from the superfluous? This guide walks you through step by step.

What exactly is an MVP?

An MVP is not a sloppy or incomplete product. It's the simplest version of your product that brings real value to your users. The goal: test your hypotheses with minimum investment.

The 3 pillars of MVP

1. Minimum: The fewest features possible
2. Viable: Functional enough to be used
3. Product: A real solution, not a prototype

Why create an MVP?

Save time and money

• Reduce development costs by 60-80%
• Launch in 3-6 months instead of 12-18 months
• Avoid developing unnecessary features

Quickly validate your hypotheses

• Test your concept with real users
• Get concrete feedback
• Pivot if necessary before investing more

Step 1: Identify the core problem

Essential questions

• What is THE main problem you're solving?
• Who suffers most from this problem?
• What solution are they currently using?

The elevator pitch technique

Formulate your MVP in one sentence: "We help [target] to [solve problem] by [unique solution]"

Step 2: Define your unique value proposition

The Value Proposition Canvas method

1. Jobs to be done: What are your users trying to accomplish?
2. Pain points: What are their current frustrations?
3. Gain creators: How does your MVP improve their situation?

Concrete examples

• Airbnb MVP: Simple site with photos and manual booking
• Dropbox MVP: Demo video before the product even existed
• Zappos MVP: Shoe photos without inventory

Step 3: Prioritize features

The MoSCoW method

• Must have: Essential for functioning
• Should have: Important but not critical
• Could have: Nice to have
• Won't have: For future versions

Impact/Effort Matrix

Classify each feature according to:

• User impact (1-10)
• Development effort (1-10)
• Priority = Impact / Effort

Step 4: Create your User Story Map

Map structure

1. User activities: The main steps
2. Tasks: Specific actions in each activity
3. Stories: Details of each task
4. Releases: Grouping into versions

Practical example: Delivery application

Activities:    Order -> Pay -> Track -> Receive
MVP:          Basic -> Simple -> Email -> Manual
V2:           Photos -> Multi -> GPS -> Auto

Step 5: Choose the right type of MVP

Concierge MVP

Perform the service manually for your first customers. Perfect for validating need without development.

Wizard of Oz MVP

Automated interface, manual process behind the scenes. Ideal for testing user experience.

Landing Page MVP

Sign-up page to measure interest. Excellent for market validation.

Functional Prototype MVP

Simplified but usable version. For when you're sure of the concept.

Step 6: Define your success metrics

Essential metrics

• Adoption rate: How many sign up?
• Activation rate: How many actually use it?
• Retention rate: How many come back?
• NPS: Would they recommend the product?

SMART objectives

• Specific: "Increase sign-ups"
• Measurable: "By 100 per week"
• Achievable: "With our marketing budget"
• Realistic: "Based on current conversion rate"
• Time-bound: "Within 3 months"

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistake #1: Too many features

Symptom: List of 20+ "essential" features Solution: If you hesitate, it's not essential

Mistake #2: Perfecting too early

Symptom: Perfect design, optimized code Solution: Accept initial imperfection

Mistake #3: Ignoring user feedback

Symptom: "They don't understand the vision" Solution: Listen, learn, adapt

Case study: From idea to MVP

Context

Task management application for creative teams

Initial analysis

• Problem: Existing tools too complex
• Target: Small creative agencies (5-15 people)
• Solution: Simplified visual interface

Selected MVP

• Basic project creation
• Simple Kanban board
• Task assignment
• Email notifications

Results after 3 months

• 500 active users
• Retention rate: 65%
• Main feedback: Need calendar integration

Final checklist for your MVP

• [ ] Problem clearly identified
• [ ] Target precisely defined
• [ ] Value proposition is unique
• [ ] Maximum 3-5 core features
• [ ] Success metrics defined
• [ ] User test plan established
• [ ] Realistic budget and timeline
• [ ] Pivot strategy prepared

Conclusion

A good MVP is not a cheap version of your vision. It's the smartest path to make it real. Start small, learn fast, grow smart.

The secret? Have the courage to launch with less than you think necessary. Your users will guide you to what really matters.