Beyond "Viable": Why Lovable Products Win the Race ??

Dearest Reader,

Remember the thrill of unwrapping a shiny new toy as a kid? That's the feeling we all chase with a new product launch – that initial burst of excitement and the anticipation of something amazing. But just like some toys end up forgotten at the bottom of the toy bin, some products, despite all the effort poured into them, fail to capture the hearts of users. ????

Looking back on my career, including launching apps at MGM Resorts and Everi, I've learned valuable lessons about what truly resonates with users. In hindsight, it's clear that simply delivering a functional product isn't enough. In today's competitive landscape, where users are bombarded with choices, a product needs to be more than viable; it needs to be lovable. ????

What exactly is a Minimum Viable Lovable Product (MVLP)? It's like an MVP, but with a sprinkle of magic! ? It's about creating a product that not only meets users' basic needs but also delights them, sparks joy, makes them want to come back for more, and tell all their friends.

The Importance of User Delight

In the race to get a product to market, it's easy to fall into the "check-the-boxes" trap. We focus on making sure the product works and solves the core problem. But let's be honest, "functional" doesn't exactly get people excited, does it? ??

Think about your own experiences. What products do you truly love? The ones you rave about to your friends? The ones that make you feel like the developers truly get you? Those are the products that go beyond functionality; they create an emotional connection. They're intuitive, visually appealing, and maybe even offer a surprise or two that makes you go, "Wow!" ??

The MVP Trap: Functionality Over Delight

The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach has its place. It allows us to test the waters and gather feedback. But here's the danger: in our quest for "minimum," we sometimes sacrifice the "lovable." We end up with a product that's technically sound but lacks that spark, that je ne sais quoi that makes it truly delightful. ?

This can be a fatal flaw. First impressions matter. If a user's initial experience is "meh," they might abandon your product before they even discover its full potential. They'll never experience those amazing features you poured your heart and soul into because they've already moved on to a competitor who understands the power of delight. ??

Why Delight Matters

Creating a delightful user experience isn't about adding frivolous features or flashy animations just for the sake of it. It's about deeply understanding your users, anticipating their needs, and crafting an experience that exceeds their expectations. A delightful product:

• Increases user engagement: Users are more likely to stick around and explore a product that feels enjoyable and rewarding to use. Think about Duolingo turning language learning into a game! ??
• Drives user retention: When users love a product, they're more likely to become loyal customers and advocates. They'll stick with you through thick and thin (and maybe even forgive the occasional bug ??).
• Sparks word-of-mouth marketing: Delighted users can't help but share their positive experiences with others, leading to organic growth. It's like having your own personal marketing army! ???

The MVLP Flywheel: A Virtuous Cycle

Here's where things get really exciting. An MVLP can create a powerful flywheel effect for your business:

• Delightful experience leads to increased user engagement
• Engaged users lead to stronger retention and positive word-of-mouth
• Positive word-of-mouth attracts new users and drives organic growth
• Organic growth generates more data and feedback for iterative improvement
• Continuous improvement further enhances the delightful experience, and the cycle continues! ??

It's like a snowball rolling downhill, gathering momentum and creating a self-reinforcing cycle of growth and success. ??

The Gating Effect of Delight: Unlocking Investment

Achieving an MVLP can also create a "gating effect" that unlocks further investment:

• Internal Investment: When you can demonstrate user love and early success, it's much easier to justify increased resource allocation from internal decision-makers. "Look," you can say, "people love this product! Imagine what we could do with a bigger team and more resources!" ??
• External Investment: A lovable product with strong early traction becomes a magnet for external investors. It shows them that you're onto something special, something that has the potential to become the next big thing. ??

Finding the Balance (Because Life's All About Balance, Right?)

Building an MVLP requires a delicate balancing act. You need to prioritize core functionality while also incorporating elements of delight. It's about finding that sweet spot between ambition and practicality. And remember, iterative development is your friend! Start with a core of lovable features and continue to build and refine based on user feedback.

What to do when launching a new product?

• Align on a Vision: This is where strong product leadership comes in. It starts with aligning product, design, and engineering on a shared vision for the product. What problem are we solving? What kind of experience do we want to create? How will we measure success? Getting everyone on the same page from the outset is crucial.
• KPIs and Healthy Debate: Once the vision is established, it's time for some healthy debate! Product managers, designers, and engineers should engage in robust discussions about how to best achieve that vision. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) we should track? What are the potential challenges and how will we overcome them? This collaborative approach ensures that everyone feels heard and invested in the product's success.
• Don't Over-Roadmap: It's tempting to roadmap the next 12 months post-MVLP launch, simply because that's what's expected. But resist the urge! While it's good to have ideas, it's crucial to factor in market and user feedback before committing to a long-term plan. Be flexible, be adaptable, and be willing to adjust your roadmap based on what you learn. After all, the goal is to create a product that users love, not just a product that meets a deadline. ???

Examples of MVLPs (Because Everyone Loves a Good Example)

Let's talk about Starbucks. ? Their mobile ordering feature was a game-changer. It wasn't just about convenience (though skipping the line is always a plus!). It was about the experience – the ability to customize your drink exactly how you like it, the ease of payment, the feeling of being in control. That's delight! And it's a major reason why Starbucks has become such a mobile powerhouse. ??

Or consider hotel apps like the one at MGM Resorts. Remember the days of waiting in an eternity-long line to check in, especially in Vegas where the crowds are endless and the excitement is palpable? You're exhausted from your trip, eager to hit the casino floor, but first, you have to navigate that dreaded check-in queue. ?? Now, with a few taps on your phone, you can bypass the front desk entirely, check in digitally with ease, and use your phone as a digital key. It's like something out of a sci-fi movie! ?? And it's not just convenient; it makes you feel like a VIP. ??

These examples highlight the power of focusing on a key feature that delights users. It's not about overwhelming them with a laundry list of functionalities; it's about identifying that one thing that will make them go, "Wow, that's amazing!" And that "wow" factor can be the key to creating a truly lovable product.

Conclusion: Love Wins!

In the battle for user attention, lovable products have a clear advantage. So, let's ditch the "just get it done" mentality and embrace the power of delight. Let's create products that not only solve problems but also spark joy, foster connection, and leave a lasting positive impression. After all, who wouldn't want to create a product that people truly love? ??

#MVLP #ProductManagement #UserDelight #UserEngagement #ProductLedGrowth #Innovation #TechTrends