What is an MVP?
The smallest responsible version that can test a meaningful product assumption with real people.
Minimum, viable, product
An MVP is the smallest version of a product that can test an important assumption through real use.
Minimum limits the scope. Viable means the version can deliver the promised outcome responsibly. Product means another person can use or experience it, not merely read a plan.
What an MVP is testing
Different MVPs answer different questions:
- Do people recognize the problem?
- Can they complete the core workflow?
- Will they return?
- Will they exchange money, time, data, or effort for the outcome?
- Can you deliver the service at an acceptable cost?
Choose one primary question. A version designed to test usability may not validate pricing.
Smaller than software
An MVP can be a manual service, spreadsheet, guided prototype, form, concierge workflow, or a simple command-line tool. Automation should follow evidence that the repeated work deserves automation.
Minimum does not mean careless
Do not remove the qualities required for trust. A payment flow must handle money correctly. A tool receiving private information must protect it. A public experiment must explain its limitations.
Reduce features, supported cases, and audience size before reducing responsibility.