Which type of MVP best suits your startup?

Oct 11, 2024 3 min read 56
Vasyl Kuchma Managing Partner

Having a new business is exciting, but also has challenges. One way to minimize these is by using a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). An MVP is the first version of your product that customers can use. This lets them test the core features and give feedback. It proves your assumptions before full-scale development. Choosing the right MVP type is crucial. It depends on your product idea, target market, and resources. This article explores different MVPs - from low-fidelity to high-fidelity models. It will show which one is best for your startup.

What Is an MVP?

An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest version of a product that can still be used. It has the core features that customers need. MVP helps you get feedback quickly and improve your product. This way, you don't waste time creating features no one wants. Instead, you start with the basics and add more features as you learn what customers like. An MVP lets you test your idea with real users. This helps you decide what to build next. The goal is to launch quickly, get feedback, and keep improving your product over time.

Is it fair to say you don't fully understand what an MVP is and why it's important for your startup? Let's start with a discussion on MVP and its role for startups. The idea behind MVP is to create a product with the basic features needed to solve a problem for your target market. With an MVP, you launch quickly. You may fail fast or succeed. If you get it right, listen to users and decide what to adjust, correct or enhance.

Types of MVPs

Low-Fidelity MVPs

Low-fidelity MVPs are early versions of a product. They have basic features. These versions help test ideas quickly. They show if the product will work before making the final version. Companies can get feedback and make changes. This saves time and money. Low-fidelity MVPs let you see if the product is a good idea.

Why use it?

It helps you see if people might be interested in your service or product. This can be useful if you're not sure if there is a demand for what you offer.

How long does it take to build?

The landing page can guide users with no-code or low-code tools. The total creation time is limited to 2-6 days.

Do you need a team of developers?

No, you don't have to use professional developers to make your landing page. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Webflow allow you to create a landing page for your business.

High-Fidelity MVPs

Building a high-fidelity MVP is a good idea. This means creating a prototype that closely matches the final product. This shows customers the full features. It lets you get real feedback. You can use this feedback to improve the product. This helps you build the right thing from the start.

Why use a High-fidelity MVP?

This type of MVP helps you show users your unique selling point. It attracts them to your product without building the full product. This lets you test your idea before creating the entire product.

How long does it take to build?

The time needed depends on the feature's complexity. It could take 2 to 4 months to develop a basic version with just one key feature.

Do you need a group to build your product?

Yes, a professional team is often required to develop an MVP. This will showcase the main features of your product in the best way.

Choosing the Right MVP for Your Startup

  • Focus on core features: Identify the main problem your product solves. Include only essential features in the MVP.
  • Keep it simple: Avoid complex designs or features. The MVP should be easy to use and understand.
  • Get customer feedback: Launch the MVP and collect feedback. Use it to make the product better.
  • Be flexible: Don't get attached to the initial MVP. Be open to changing it based on customer needs.
  • Start small: The first MVP doesn't need to have all the bells and whistles. Just focus on solving the core problem.

Test Your MVP in Parts

A Piecemeal MVP means making "mini-MVP" pieces. Each piece represents a different part of the product. They are all connected. You don't launch everything at once. Instead, you launch each feature separately. This lets you test and approve it with users before moving to the next. This approach allows for gradual development. It also gives you a way to change the product based on customer feedback.

If you want to reduce business risk and increase success, creating an MVP may be the best. The question is not low or high-fidelity MVPs. The idea is to launch early, get feedback, and improve based on user input. The type of MVP that suits your startup will help confirm your idea, attract initial users, and achieve product-market fit.

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