Common Mistakes When Building an MVP: Tips for First-Timers

Understanding MVPs and Their Purpose Before diving into mistakes, let’s clarify what an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is and why it’s essential. MVPs can generally be divided into two categories:

1. MVP as a Copy of an Existing Market Concept

If there’s an existing successful concept and your goal is to replicate it in a new market, an MVP here serves to bring a proven model to life with local adjustments. This isn’t about testing a hypothesis but about implementing a structured, scalable solution from the beginning. Here, the focus should be on a robust architecture, not on a minimal, “cheap” build. The MVP should be carefully planned as a product ready for scaling, not just a rushed test.

2. MVP as Hypothesis Testing

This approach is about creating a quick, minimal solution that allows you to test the core functionality. Here, the MVP isn’t meant to be polished; it’s designed to validate the idea quickly and affordably. A common mistake in this stage is clients who get caught up in adding extra features or "polishing," transforming the MVP into a more complex product. Remember, in many cases, ideas evolve significantly post-launch, with half of all MVPs needing a rebuild. Spending too much time on perfection can result in costly delays, allowing competitors to enter the market first.

Key Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Enhancing the MVP

Spending time and resources on unnecessary features can be tempting, but it’s often counterproductive. Focus on the core functionality to release as soon as possible and validate the hypothesis.

Failing to Set Clear Objectives

Without well-defined goals, an MVP can easily deviate from its purpose. Therefore, you should set your primary objectives at the beginning.

Neglecting User Feedback

An MVP is built to test, which includes gathering feedback. Without user input, you risk building based on assumptions rather than market needs.

Overlooking the Long-Term Strategy

Even with a quick build, an MVP should be scalable if the hypothesis proves correct. Skimping on the architecture or the plan for scalability can lead to costly changes down the line.

Absence of a Technical Specification (TS)

Starting an MVP without a clear technical specification is a common misstep that often leads to miscommunication, delays, and scope creep. A thorough TS ensures alignment among the team and keeps the project focused on essential goals. At ANRO Group, we recommend preparing a TS to clarify expectations and avoid unnecessary roadblocks—plus, we’re here to help draft it if needed.

Keep It Simple and Purpose-Driven

If you are creating an MVP based on existing solutions, make sure to invest in scalability from the beginning. Cheap shortcuts usually lead to complications. If you’re building an MVP to test a hypothesis, focus on speed and simplicity. Adding unnecessary elements early on usually wastes time and resources. An MVP with “extras” won’t necessarily validate the idea better. Concentrate on what’s essential, and remember: if an idea doesn’t work as a minimal product, the extras won’t save it.