We Thought It Was an MVP, But It Wasn't: Insights Learned from My Own Mistakes
Illia Tretnikov
Founder at JetOffice | Research, Design & Development of Web and Mobile Software | MVP in 100 days
Introduction
Creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a crucial step in the journey of product development. However, misconceptions about what an MVP truly represents can lead to significant setbacks. Drawing from over five years of experience in product design and management, and collaborating with diverse teams, I've encountered various challenges and learned valuable lessons about MVP development. This article clarifies the essence of an MVP, distinguishes it from incomplete or poorly designed products, and provides actionable insights learned from my own mistakes.
What an MVP Is
An MVP is the simplest version of a product that can be released to early users to validate a business idea. It includes only the core features necessary to solve the main problem the product addresses, enabling quick feedback and iterative improvement.
Key Characteristics of an MVP:
What an MVP Isn't
Reflecting on my journey, I realized that there are common misconceptions about MVPs that can derail a project. Here are some lessons learned:
1. Not a Prototype
In one of my earlier projects, we treated our MVP as merely a prototype. We built a basic version of the product without ensuring it was fully functional. Unlike prototypes, which are often used for internal testing and concept validation, an MVP is a functional product released to users. The feedback was clear: users expected a working product, not just a concept. This mistake taught me the importance of delivering a product that users can actually interact with.
2. Not Just an Idea
There was a time when we launched an MVP that was little more than an idea with minimal implementation. We thought this would be enough to get feedback, but users were unable to see the value. An MVP must have enough functionality to provide value and gather meaningful feedback. Without this, users cannot fully understand or appreciate the potential of the product.
3. Not Low Quality
In another project, we rushed the MVP out the door with poor design and usability, thinking we could fix it later. This backfired. Users were frustrated and abandoned the product quickly. An MVP should not compromise on essential aspects like usability and stability. First impressions matter, and releasing a low-quality product can harm your reputation and reduce the chances of getting valuable feedback.
Common Misconceptions and Mistakes
1. Incomplete Features
During one project, we launched an MVP with missing core features, assuming users would focus on what was there. They didn't. Users were frustrated by the gaps and provided poor feedback. An MVP should be fully functional in its core offering to ensure users can see its potential and provide relevant feedback.
2. Poor Design
I once thought that design could be sacrificed in an MVP. We released a poorly designed product, thinking functionality was all that mattered. Users found it clunky and unappealing. Even in its simplest form, an MVP should offer a good user experience. Good design is crucial for user engagement and satisfaction.
3. Lack of Focus
In another instance, we added too many features to our MVP, trying to impress users with a wide range of functionalities. This diluted the core value proposition and confused users. An MVP should focus on the primary problem it aims to solve, ensuring clarity and simplicity.
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Examples of What an MVP Is and Isn't
Example of a Good MVP:
Example of a Poor MVP:
Best Practices for Developing a Successful MVP
Useful resources
Here are some useful resources, books, and videos that can help you gain a deeper understanding of MVPs and successful product development:
Books
Videos
These resources should give you a well-rounded understanding of MVP development and help you avoid common mistakes, ensuring your product development journey is both effective and efficient.
Conclusion
Understanding what an MVP is and isn't is crucial for successful product development. By focusing on core functionality, user feedback, and iterative improvement, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a product that effectively validates your business idea. Remember, an MVP is a stepping stone to a more refined and comprehensive product, not a shortcut to cut costs or development time.
For more insights on MVP development and product management, follow me on social media. #MVPDevelopment #ProductManagement #Startup
What do you think about this article? Anything you want to add, write in the comments.
About Me
With over five years of experience as a senior product designer and two years serving as a product manager, I specialize in crafting successful digital products, enhancing conversion rates, leading strategic planning, fostering team communication, and creating captivating designs.
My clients are companies in need of digital product creation and business scaling. I not only help them increase conversion rates and reduce costs but also automate routines to the extent that they forget what Excel looks like.
This article sounds interesting! It covers a valuable topic for entrepreneurs and product managers. Understanding what an MVP truly is can be critical for the success of any product, and learning from other people's mistakes is a great way to save yourself time and effort.