What it is
An MVP is the smallest, simplest version of your product that still delivers its core value and lets you learn from real users. Popularized by Eric Ries in The Lean Startup, its purpose is validated learning, not a feature-complete launch.
Facts
- The goal is to test the riskiest assumption with the least effort.
- Forms range from a landing page or concierge/Wizard-of-Oz MVP to a basic working product.
- It's part of the build-measure-learn loop.
- 'Viable' means it must actually solve the core problem, not just be minimal.
Who it's for
Early-stage founders validating a new idea before investing heavily in building.
How it helps you
An MVP gets real feedback fast and cheap, so you learn whether people want the product before spending months and money building the full version.
Caveats
Don't over-build, most 'MVPs' are too big. But don't under-deliver either: if it isn't viable enough to solve the problem, your test result is meaningless.
Conclusion
An MVP is a learning tool, not a mini-launch, build the least you can to honestly test whether people want what you're making.