What Is an MVP? A Complete Guide to Minimum Viable Products

MVP is commonly used shortcut for minimum viable product – or a prephase of the final digital product such as mobile or desktop applications, websites or software platform. It contains the key features that are important to solve a problem or demonstrate a value to the users.
mvp

MVP is commonly used shortcut for minimum viable product – or a prephase of the final digital product such as mobile or desktop applications, websites or software platform. It contains the key features that are important to solve a problem or demonstrate a value to the users. 

What is MVP and what is the standard procedure?

An MVP is the most basic version of a digital product — whether it’s an app, website, or software — that still includes the essential features needed to be tested by real users in real conditions.

MVP is not in considered as the digital product in its final phase. Instead, it’s the first functional version, built just enough to validate the core idea, solve a specific problem, and gather meaningful feedback. After the development of MVP, the product is iteratively improved based on real user experience (UX) and interface (UI) insight. 

MVPs are most often developed using Agile methodology. Here’s the standard process:

  1. Define the product goal and identify the core problem to solve.
  2. Analyze and prioritize key features that deliver the most value with the least effort.
  3. Develop and launch the MVP to a limited group of users.
  4. Collect feedback, monitor user behavior, and test assumptions.
  5. Evaluate performance — has the MVP met its business goals or user expectations?
  6. Repeat the cycle, refining and expanding based on data and feedback.

What features are typically included in MVP?

MVP with focus on delivering core value generally include:

  1. Core functionalities – that directly solve the main problem for the users. The other, non-essential features are absent and developed in later phases. 
  2. User feedback mechanism – tool to collect feedback from early users
  3. Basic, simple UI and user flow – it should still offer the basic, usable interface to ensure, users may use the product effectively – think about registration, login or payment gateaway
  4. Measurable success metrics – track the key metrics to follow the user engagement and the success based on your business goal

mvp procedure

What are the benefits?

Why go MVP? Because it’s smart, lean, and gets you to market faster. Here’s what makes it such a powerful approach:

  • Faster development – you are building only what is necessary
  • Quicker iterations – improve your product quickly, based on the user feedback
  • Early validation – you get the approval if your product has the real potential
  • Lower risk and lower budget
  • MVP as the pitch for the investor is the more convincing way

TIP: An MVP doesn’t need to be polished to perfection. Let real users guide your next move. It’s also a great way to test your idea using low-code or boxed solutions, so you can validate your concept before diving into expensive custom development. Great for saving your money.

For whom is it an ideal solution?

Minimum viable product is ideal for any early-stage startup with good idea, however lacking investor or bigger budget for development. MVP could enable the startup understand its potential and gain investors. You are able to quickly test and validate a new product idea, attract early users who are willing to try it out, focus on the key features and iteratively improve the product to better align the customer needs. Are you looking for custom development for your startup? Contact us directly!

How to pitch MVP to investor?

Pitching an MVP to the investor is mostly about proving, that your idea will work, with real proof, in the real world. Keep it simple, and remember, it does not need to be the final product you are „selling“  – it proves, that your idea and your vision has the future, is innovative and is worth it. 

  • Explain the problem, you want to solve with your digital product
  • Define the MVP, its key functionalities that address these issues
  • Mention the traction you already got from real users and the feedback
  • Focus on its potential to scale and the way forward – what are your expectation for the future.

What is the difference between MVP and POC?

TermMVP (Minimum Viable Product)POC (Proof of Concept)
GoalTest product with usersProve an idea can work
UsersReal customersInternal stakeholders
FormatFunctional productPrototype, demo, or tech test
ScopeMinimum features + UXOften single feature or tech only

On one hand, POC proves something’s possible, whereas an MVP proves something’s valuable.

MVP without code, thanks to AI in minutes

Moreover, thanks to tools powered by AI and no-code platforms, you can build an MVP in hours — not weeks. Some popular platforms include:

Lovable – AI app builder for MVPs without writing code

Bubble – Drag-and-drop builder for web apps

Glide – Turn spreadsheets into mobile apps

Framer – Design and publish websites in minutes

Whether you’re a startup testing a fresh idea or a team exploring new features, an MVP helps you validate, learn, and improve without burning time or budget. Remember: you’re not building the perfect product — you’re building the right product. Do you want to consult your digital product idea? Let us know and contact us on our contact page!

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