The Minimum Lovable Product: Solving Real Problems for Users
We've all heard of MVPs, but this lean product development approach often misses the mark on understanding user needs. Read on for a fresh take on building products people genuinely love.
The fast build-and-fail approach of MVPs certainly helped teams adapt to constant feedback loops. But in practice, most MVPs end up being cheap, crappy products that fail to solve real problems.
Introducing the Minimum Lovable Product (MLP) - focused on problem solving and usability without sacrificing design. Curious to learn more? Read the full blog for a complete guide to building MLPs.
Crafting MLPs With Users in Mind
Rather than skeleton products to validate ideas, MLPs solve problems from day one. The experience feels complete and paves the way for future improvements.
But how exactly can product teams shift their approach to focus on their users?
Here are 4 key steps:
1- Understand What Problem You're Solving
Every product decision starts by asking: What real-world problem does this solve and why? Without clarity of purpose, ideas usually flop. Teams need to ground decisions in a concrete understanding of what job their users are hiring them to do.
2- Focus on Outcomes Over Outputs
Care about what users are trying to achieve rather than hitting metrics. Guide decisions by mapping out opportunity trees to identify experiments with the greatest impact. Remain focused on enabling your customers' jobs-to-be-done.
3- Set Measurements of Success
Define baseline metrics early on grounded in your understanding of the user's job. This allows you to spot impact and reproduce wins. Fuzzy goals make it tough to build Lovable Products.
4- Balance Scope and Delight
While some delighters may be better left for later, don't strip all surprise and delight from your MLP. Small delights that reinforce the user's progress in getting their job done can go a long way. Just don't let them distract from critical usability.
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Want More? The Blog Covers Key Considerations for Crafting MLPs
The full blog also covers several other tactical tips for bringing MLPs to life, including:
Curious to learn more? Read the complete guide to building MLPs focused on what your users need.
?? Behind the Scenes at Our Offsite
Take a peek into our team's creative process! We've included some exclusive photos and a video from our recent offsite. It's not all about work; it's about the team that makes these ideas come to life. Check it out to see the faces behind the innovation!
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What resonated with you about this MLP approach focused on users? How might a shift towards solving problems change the way your team ships products? Let us know your key takeaways in the comments!
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