Building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is about learning, not launching a perfect product. Here's how to do it right.
What Is an MVP, Really?
An MVP is the smallest version of your product that allows you to:
- Test your core value proposition
- Learn from real user behavior
- Validate (or invalidate) your assumptions
- Decide whether to pivot, persevere, or stop
The Build-Measure-Learn Loop
1. Build
Create the minimum set of features to test your hypothesis:
- Focus on ONE core value proposition
- Cut every feature that isn't essential
- Accept that it won't be perfect
- Aim for weeks, not months
2. Measure
Define success metrics before you build:
- User signups and activation
- Engagement and retention
- Conversion to paid (if applicable)
- User feedback and NPS
3. Learn
Analyze data and user feedback to decide next steps:
- Is the problem real?
- Does our solution work?
- Will users pay for this?
- What should we build next?
MVP Feature Prioritization
Use the MoSCoW method:
- Must Have: Essential for launch (usually 3-5 features)
- Should Have: Important but not critical
- Could Have: Nice to have if time permits
- Won't Have: Explicitly out of scope for MVP
Common MVP Mistakes
- Too Many Features: Build less, learn faster
- Perfect Design: Function over form initially
- Scaling Too Early: Handle 100 users before 10,000
- Ignoring Feedback: Listen to users, not your ego
- No Success Metrics: Define what success looks like
MVP Timeline Example
- Week 1-2: Discovery and planning
- Week 3-4: Design and architecture
- Week 5-8: Development
- Week 9-10: Testing and launch
- Week 11-12: Measure and learn
Ready to Build Your MVP?
We specialize in helping startups go from idea to MVP quickly. Our fixed-price MVP packages start at S$25,000. Let's discuss your idea.