The concept of an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is often misunderstood. While the term “minimum” might suggest a bare-bones version, the emphasis should actually be on “viable.” An MVP should indeed be minimal in the sense that it contains only the core features necessary for it to be functional and provide value to users. However, it should also be viable, meaning it should be of high enough quality to attract early adopters, gather meaningful feedback, and deliver a positive user experience.

There are a few reasons why an MVP should strive to be near-perfect rather than just a bare minimum skeleton structure:

User Experience

Even in its early stages, an MVP should provide a good user experience. This doesn’t mean it needs to have all the bells and whistles, but it should be intuitive and functional enough for users to understand its value proposition and be willing to engage with it. A poor user experience can turn off potential users and hinder the collection of valuable feedback.

Early Adopters

An MVP often targets early adopters who are willing to try new products and provide feedback. These users are typically more forgiving of imperfections, but they still expect a certain level of quality. If the MVP is too bare-bones or riddled with bugs, it may fail to attract these early adopters, making it difficult to gather the necessary feedback to iterate and improve the product.

Feedback Quality

The goal of an MVP is to gather feedback from real users to validate assumptions and make informed decisions about the product’s future development. To collect meaningful feedback, the MVP needs to be functional and representative of the final product vision. If it’s too basic or flawed, the feedback gathered may not accurately reflect users’ true needs and preferences.

Competitive Advantage

In today’s competitive market, launching a subpar product can be risky. Even if it’s just an MVP, it’s still representing your brand and competing for users’ attention. A near-perfect MVP can give you a competitive advantage by demonstrating your commitment to quality and increasing the likelihood of attracting early adopters and positive attention from the market.

Overall, while an MVP should indeed be minimal in scope, it should also be viable enough to provide a positive user experience, attract early adopters, gather meaningful feedback, and position the product for future success. Striking the right balance between minimalism and quality is key to building a successful MVP.