Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

The smallest workable version of a product that includes only essential features needed to validate assumptions with real users and gather learning quickly.

Key Points

  • Delivers only the must-have functionality to test key hypotheses fast.
  • Optimized for learning and risk reduction, not for completeness or scale.
  • Uses real user feedback and measurable outcomes to guide next steps.
  • Should be usable and valuable, even if limited in scope and polish.

Example

A startup building a meal-delivery app releases an MVP with account sign-up, basic menu browsing, a single payment method, and delivery to one neighborhood. The team measures sign-ups, order completion rate, and delivery satisfaction to confirm demand and refine the service before investing in more features.

PMP Example Question

A team wants to validate customer demand and workflow assumptions before funding a full-featured release. What should the project manager recommend?

  1. Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
  2. High-fidelity prototype with all screens
  3. Proof of concept in a lab environment
  4. General availability release with full feature set

Correct Answer: A — Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Explanation: An MVP is a lightweight version of a product with just enough features to test assumptions in the market and gather validated learning, reducing risk before larger investment.

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