How can you create an MVP that is both intuitive and user-friendly?

1 Define your problem and solution

Before you start building anything, you need to have a clear understanding of the problem you are solving and the solution you are offering. This will help you focus on the core value proposition of your product and avoid unnecessary features or complexity. You can use tools like the lean canvas or the value proposition canvas to map out your problem, solution, fit, and unique value proposition. You can also conduct customer interviews, surveys, or experiments to validate your problem and solution hypotheses and get insights into your target market and user needs.

2 Choose the right MVP type

When testing your product idea, you should choose an MVP type that best suits your product, your target audience, and your learning objectives. Depending on your goals, resources, and stage of development, some common MVP types include a landing page, a Wizard of Oz, a Concierge service, a prototype, or a single-feature version of your product. You can also combine different MVP types or use multiple MVPs to test different aspects of your product. A landing page is a simple web page that explains your product and captures leads or sign-ups. A Wizard of Oz is a fake version of your product that looks real but is operated manually behind the scenes. A Concierge service delivers your value proposition to a small group of customers without using any technology or automation. A prototype is a mock-up or wireframe of your product that shows the main features and user interface but is not fully functional or interactive. Finally, a single-feature version only offers one key feature or benefit to your users.

3 Prioritize your features

Once you have chosen your MVP type, it is important to decide which features to include and which to exclude. Trying to cram too many features into your MVP can lead to a product that fails to deliver value or satisfy your users. To ensure this doesn't happen, prioritize your features based on value, effort, and risk. You can use the MoSCoW method or the Kano model to rank features and identify the must-haves, should-haves, could-haves, and won't-haves. Focus on building only the must-have features that are essential for your MVP to solve the problem and deliver the value proposition.

4 Design for simplicity and usability

When designing your MVP, it's important to consider not only aesthetics, but also usability and user experience. Your MVP should be easy to use, intuitive, and engaging so that users can quickly understand your product and reach their goals. To create an intuitive and user-friendly MVP, use a consistent visual hierarchy, simple language, and familiar icons and symbols. Additionally, provide feedback and affordances to guide users, use white space, contrast, and color to highlight important elements and actions, include minimal content and data, and use user testing and feedback to improve your design.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?