MVP

MVP stands for Minimum Viable Product. It is an initial usable version with only the features needed to test an important assumption. Users can complete a specific task with it. Their behaviour and feedback then help determine whether the product idea should be developed further.

What belongs in an MVP?

An MVP contains only what is needed to investigate the chosen assumption reliably. To find out whether technicians want to update their own schedules, for example, they need to sign in, see appointments and submit a change. Extensive reports and additional administration screens can wait if they are not needed to answer that question.

What counts as minimal depends on the product and audience. The version must work well enough for real use. Bugs, confusing controls or inadequate security can distort the test's outcome.

MVP or prototype?

A prototypeGlossary · In briefprototypeA prototype is an early, simplified version of a product. It makes an idea visible or testable so you can learn before developing the complete product.Read more makes an idea tangible or tests a specific interaction. It does not have to be fully functional and may only be shown to test users. An MVP is intended for actual use and provides information about the product's value in practice.

After initial use, the team examines what users do, where they get stuck and which features they miss. It can then continue building, change direction or stop. The carefully selected features make an MVP a focused way to learn early.