How to build a startup MVP

The keyword in Minimum Viable Product is Viable. The MVP needs to 1) work and 2) provide value.

Too many founders try to "build the car" when, in reality, their users would simply love a skateboard.

1. Embrace Simplicity
   The essence of an MVP is its simplicity.
   
   It should be the simplest form of your product that can deliver value to your first set of users. This approach allows for rapid development and testing, minimizing resources while focusing on core functionalities.
   
   Starting simple helps avoid the trap of over-engineering, which can lead to delays and diluted user feedback on the actual value proposition.
   

2. Prioritize User Interaction
   10 conversations are more valuable than 10,000 points of data.
   
   Early engagement helps in understanding the problems users face, shaping the MVP to address these needs effectively.
   
   Post-launch, continual user feedback is essential to refine and improve the product. This ongoing dialogue helps to keep the product development aligned with user needs and market demands.
   

3. Iterate Relentlessly
   An MVP is not a one-and-done release; it’s the beginning of an iterative process.
   
   Successful startups are those that quickly learn from the MVP and make necessary adjustments. Iteration should focus on enhancing features that users find valuable and removing those that do not add value.
   
   This cycle of feedback and improvement is critical to evolving the MVP into a fully-fledged product that genuinely meets user needs.
   

4. Launch Quickly, Learn Quickly
   If you are not embarrassed with your first product, you’ve shipped too late.
   
   The goal of an MVP is to get to market quickly with a functional product to start the learning process as soon as possible.
   
   Delaying launch in pursuit of perfection can hinder this learning and give competitors a chance to capture your market.
   
   Launching an imperfect MVP can seem daunting, but the real success lies in how quickly you can iterate based on real-world usage and feedback.
   

5. Manage Scope Wisely
   One common pitfall in MVP development is the scope creep—where the desire to include more features leads to a bloated product that strays from the MVP’s purpose.
   
   Keeping the scope limited not only speeds up the development cycle but also sharpens the focus on solving core user problems.
   
   Founders should resist the urge to solve multiple problems at once and instead focus on key issues that their MVPs can address.