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?
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- High-fidelity prototype with all screens
- Proof of concept in a lab environment
- 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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