Define MVP & Prioritize Features

Defining your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and prioritizing features is a critical step in the product development process. The MVP is the simplest version of your product that can be released to users to test core functionalities and validate assumptions. This step involves determining the essential features that address the primary problem, ensuring that development resources are focused on delivering maximum value with minimum effort.

Why it's Important

Focus on Core Value: Ensures that you build the most crucial features first, addressing the primary user needs.
Resource Efficiency: Optimizes the use of resources by avoiding unnecessary features and focusing on essentials.
Early Validation: Allows for early testing and feedback, reducing the risk of building a product that doesn’t meet user needs.
Iterative Improvement: Provides a foundation for future iterations based on real user feedback.

How to Implement

Identify Core Features

Determine the essential features that address the core problem and provide value to users.

Prioritize Features

Use frameworks like MoSCoW (Must-Have, Should-Have, Could-Have, Won’t-Have) or Kano Model to prioritize features based on user needs and business goals.

Define MVP Scope

Outline the scope of the MVP, specifying the features to be included in the initial release.

Create User Stories

Develop user stories for each feature, describing the functionality from the user’s perspective.

Develop Feature Roadmap

Create a roadmap that outlines the sequence and timeline for developing and releasing features.

Validate MVP Definition

Review and validate the MVP definition with stakeholders and potential users to ensure it meets the intended goals.

Available Workshops

Idea Brainstorming Workshop: Collaboratively identify and brainstorm potential features.
Brainstorming Methods: Additional techniques to empower your team.
Prioritization Workshops: Use frameworks to prioritize features with the team.
Prioritization Technique Cards: 21 different techniques to help you align.
User Story Workshop: Develop detailed user stories for each prioritized feature.
MVP Definition Workshop: Define and outline the scope of the MVP.
Roadmap Planning Workshop Collection: Create a feature development roadmap and timeline.

Deliverables

Clearly defined MVP with a specific scope and feature set.
Prioritized list of features based on user needs and business goals.
Detailed user stories for each feature.
Feature development roadmap with timelines and milestones.
Stakeholder and user validation of the MVP scope.

How to Measure

Feature Prioritization Clarity: Evaluate the clarity and logic behind the prioritization of features.
User Story Quality: Assess the completeness and user-centric nature of the user stories.
Stakeholder Alignment: Measure the level of agreement and validation from stakeholders and users.
Roadmap Feasibility: Ensure the roadmap is realistic and achievable within the given timelines.

Real-World Examples

Instagram

MVP Definition: Focused on core features of photo sharing and social networking.

Prioritization: Emphasized ease of use and visual appeal.

Outcome: Rapid user adoption and iterative feature additions based on feedback.

Dropbox

MVP Definition: Concentrated on seamless file synchronization and sharing.

Prioritization: Prioritized simplicity and reliability.

Outcome: Quick validation and scaling of the product based on core functionality.

Airbnb

MVP Definition: Targeted a platform for short-term home rentals.

Prioritization: Focused on listing properties and booking functionality.

Outcome: Successfully validated market demand and expanded features iteratively.

Get It Right

User-Centric Approach: Always prioritize features based on user needs and feedback.
Simplify: Focus on the most critical features that solve the core problem.
Iterate: Plan for iterative development and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Involvement: Engage stakeholders throughout the process to ensure alignment.
Use Frameworks: Leverage prioritization frameworks to make informed decisions.

Don't Make These Mistakes

Overcomplicating the MVP: Including too many features in the initial release.
Ignoring User Feedback: Failing to incorporate user input into feature prioritization.
Unclear Prioritization: Lack of a clear, logical framework for prioritizing features.
Insufficient Validation: Not validating the MVP definition with stakeholders and users.
Rigid Roadmap: Creating a roadmap that doesn’t allow for flexibility and iteration.

Provided courtesy of Deanne Watt, Chief Product Officer
MiNDPOP Group