What is an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and how to create one

What is an MVP? In the dynamic landscape of startups and innovation, launching a successful product requires more than a brilliant idea.

Thus, the concept of MVP (Minimum Viable Product), a strategy that allows you to test hypotheses with the lowest possible investment.

But, after all, what is an MVP?

Continue reading and find out:

MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

It is a simplified version of a product, designed to deliver core user value, collect real feedback, and iterate quickly.

Instead of waiting years to build something perfect, MVP focuses on the essence, saving time and resources.

However, creating an efficient MVP requires strategic planning, clear vision and precise execution.

Why is MVP so relevant today?

The answer lies in the speed of the market.

With demanding consumers and fierce competition, companies need to validate ideas before investing heavily.

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Imagine an architect designing a house without consulting the residents: the risk of failure is enormous.

Likewise, the MVP is like a functional sketch, tested directly with the target audience.

Furthermore, it aligns the entrepreneur's vision with the real needs of the market, avoiding waste.

A statistic from CB Insights reveals that 42% of startups fail because they create products with no real demand. The MVP, therefore, is an antidote to this error.

In this article, we will explore what an MVP is, its benefits, how to create one intelligently, and practical examples.

We will also address common mistakes, answer frequently asked questions, and present an analogy to demystify the concept.

After all, how can you turn an idea into something that really impacts the market without a clear roadmap?

Let's dive into this process.

What is an MVP and why does it matter?

First of all, it is crucial to understand that the MVP is not an incomplete or unfinished product.

Rather, it is a lean but functional version that solves a specific problem for a group of users.

Eric Ries, creator of the concept in the book Lean Startup, defines MVP as “the version of a product that allows the complete learning cycle with minimal effort”.

In other words, it is the starting point for validating hypotheses, such as: “Do users want this?” or “Will they pay for this solution?”.

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So, the MVP is a learning tool, not just a prototype.

Furthermore, the MVP is a response to market uncertainty.

Many companies invest millions in ideas that seem promising but fail to resonate with consumers.

For example, the failure of Google Glass in its first version showed that even giants can make mistakes without prior validation.

In this sense, the MVP reduces risks by allowing adjustments before scaling.

It also promotes an iterative mindset, where initial failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to success.

Therefore, MVP is both a philosophy and a practice.

Finally, the impact of MVPs goes beyond startups. Large companies like Amazon and Spotify use MVPs to test new features.

When Spotify initially launched, it focused solely on music streaming, without features like collaborative playlists.

This focus allowed us to validate demand before expanding. Thus, the MVP is universal: whether you are a solo entrepreneur or a corporation, it is the bridge between idea and reality.

Benefits of using an MVP

First, MVP saves resources.

Developing a complete product takes time, money and energy.

However, the MVP allows you to test the market with a minimum investment, directing efforts only to what works.

For example, when launching an application, you can start with a single core functionality, rather than building a complex system with dozens of features.

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This approach reduces costs and speeds up the time-to-market, getting your product into users’ hands faster.

Additionally, MVP fosters user-centric innovation.

By collecting real feedback, you understand what customers value and what they ignore.

This is more powerful than any theoretical market research.

Imagine a chef who tests a new recipe with a small group before putting it on the menu: the MVP works the same way, adjusting the “flavor” of the product based on reactions.

Additionally, it creates a cycle of continuous improvement, where each iteration is more aligned with audience expectations.

Finally, the MVP strengthens stakeholder trust.

Investors and partners prefer to invest in projects with initial validation, as the risk is lower.

A successful MVP demonstrates traction, whether through active users, positive feedback, or engagement metrics.

This way, it not only validates the idea, but also paves the way for fundraising and sustainable growth.

How to Create an MVP: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify the problem and target audience

First of all, ask yourself: what problem does your product solve?

An MVP starts with a clear customer pain point.

For example, if you want to create a vegan food delivery app, your hypothesis could be: “Vegans have difficulty finding affordable and quick options.”

Then define your target audience precisely.

The more specific, the better.

This way, you avoid creating something generic that won’t resonate with anyone. Tools like personas and empathy maps help crystallize this vision.

Additionally, validate the pain with qualitative research.

Chat with potential users, participate in forums or take polls.

For example, the fictional startup VegFast interviewed 50 vegans and found that 80% of them gave up on deliveries due to a lack of reliable options.

This data guided the MVP: an app with only 5 selected vegan restaurants. Therefore, success starts with a real problem and a well-defined audience.

Finally, avoid the temptation to “fix everything.”

A common mistake is wanting to serve multiple audiences or pain points simultaneously.

An MVP should be laser-focused. Ask yourself: what is the minimum functionality that proves my hypothesis?

This clarity is the foundation of an effective MVP.

Step 2: Define the core value

Now, it's time to distill your idea down to its essentials.

The value core is the functionality that delivers the main solution.

For example, Airbnb’s MVP focused on connecting hosts with travelers, without features like detailed reviews or advanced filters.

So, identify what makes your product unique and eliminate the rest. Tools like Value Proposition Canvas help map this core.

Also, prioritize simplicity in execution.

An intuitive design and a fluid experience are crucial, even in an MVP.

In the case of VegFast, the initial app only had a catalog of dishes, an ordering system and basic tracking.

No chat with restaurants or integration with digital wallets.

This approach ensured that the MVP was viable and testable in weeks, not months.

Finally, align core values with clear metrics.

What defines the success of your MVP?

It could be the number of orders, retention rate, or qualitative feedback.

These metrics will guide future iterations, turning assumptions into concrete data.

Step 3: Develop, test and iterate

With the core defined, develop the MVP with agility.

Use no-code tools like Bubble or lightweight frameworks like Flutter to speed up the process.

However, keep the quality to a minimum so as not to compromise the user experience.

A poor MVP can drive away customers, even if the idea is good.

So, balance speed and functionality.

Then launch the MVP to a small group of early adopters.

Collect feedback through surveys, interviews, or tools like Hotjar.

For example, the fictional startup LearnEasy created an MVP of a microlearning platform with just 10 short video lessons.

After testing with 200 users, it was found that 70% preferred interactive quizzes.

This insight guided the next iteration. Therefore, feedback is the fuel of the MVP.

Finally, iterate based on the data.

Don't get attached to the initial version; the MVP is a process, not an end.

Adjust features, eliminate what doesn’t work and amplify what generates value.

This continuous learning cycle is what turns an MVP into a successful product.

The MVP as a seed

Think of the MVP as a seed.

You don't plant a whole tree; you start with something small but with potential to grow.

The seed (the MVP) contains the essential DNA of the tree (the final product), but it needs fertile soil (market feedback) and care (iterations) to flourish.

Just as a gardener does not expect immediate results, the entrepreneur uses the MVP to nurture the idea, adjusting it until it becomes robust.

This analogy reinforces the patience and strategy needed to turn a vision into reality.

What is an MVP: Original MVP Examples

Example 1: VegFast (Vegan Delivery)

THE VegFast was created to solve the lack of vegan delivery options in medium-sized cities.

The MVP was an app with just 5 partner restaurants, a simplified menu and order tracking.

Launched to 300 users in a pilot city, the app reached 150 orders in the first week, with 85% positive reviews.

Feedback revealed the need for price filters, which was added in the second version.

This MVP validated the demand and attracted an angel investor.

Example 2: LearnEasy (Microlearning)

THE LearnEasy created a microlearning platform for busy professionals.

The MVP offered 10 5-minute video lessons on productivity, accessible through a basic website.

Tested with 200 business users, the MVP had a 65% completion rate and requests for interactive quizzes.

With this data, the team added gamification in the next iteration, tripling engagement.

The MVP proved that the microlearning format was viable.

Common mistakes when creating an MVP

Firstly, many entrepreneurs confuse MVP with a low-quality product.

An MVP should be simple, yet functional and reliable.

For example, an app with constant bugs can alienate users, even if the idea is good.

So, invest in the basics done right: usability, performance and clarity.

Also, another mistake is including unnecessary features.

The temptation to add “just one more feature” can inflate the scope, delaying the release.

An MVP doesn’t need bells and whistles; it needs to solve the core problem. So be ruthless in prioritizing the essentials.

Ultimately, ignoring feedback is fatal.

Some entrepreneurs stick to their initial vision and dismiss user criticism.

However, the MVP is there to learn, not to prove you’re right. Be open to suggestions and use data to guide decisions.

What is an MVP: Frequently Asked Questions about MVP

What is an MVP: Conclusion

In short, MVP is more than a buzzword; it’s a powerful strategy for turning ideas into viable products.

By focusing on the essentials, gathering feedback, and iterating, you reduce risk and align your vision with market needs.

Whether through examples such as VegFast and LearnEasy or the seed analogy, it is clear that the MVP is the first step to success.

So why wait for perfection when you can start small, learn fast, and grow big?

Start today, plant your seed and see where it can take you.

Andre Neri April 28, 2025