How do you plan a solid strategy for MVP in your startup?

Posted by TravisL on Thursday September 19, 2024 @07:31AM
from the self-post dept.

In the early stages of a startup, creating an MVP is often crucial to test ideas and get early feedback without over-investing time and resources. For those who’ve successfully launched one (or even those who haven’t), what key considerations should be taken into account when planning and building an MVP? How do you prioritize features, balance speed vs. quality, and ensure you are solving real user problems without going overboard on development?

( 4 comments | on HN )

Re:How do you plan a solid strategy for MVP in your startup? by breckenedge on Thursday September 19, 2024 @08:13AM (#41590990)

Each MVP will be different because customers are different. Only they can tell you what meets the definition of “minimal.” Use simple and quick tools. Understand there will be bugs and mistakes and they will get fixed. Avoid going deeper on any task than what the customer needs. Are you building a mobile app? Website? Hardware?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How do you plan a solid strategy for MVP in your startup? by mergisi on Thursday September 19, 2024 @09:34AM (#41591695)

As the founder of AI2sql https://ai2sql.io/ , I focused on solving a specific problem: enabling users to generate SQL queries using natural language. We prioritized only the essential features, engaged with users early for feedback, and iterated quickly based on that input. Keep your MVP lean and centered on delivering real value to users. Good luck!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How do you plan a solid strategy for MVP in your startup? by mindcrime on Thursday September 19, 2024 @09:38AM (#41591718)

It would take an entire book to answer this question thoroughly. Luckily, that book exists: it's The Four Steps to the Epiphany by Steve Blank (or its successor, The Startup Owner's Manual).

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How do you plan a solid strategy for MVP in your startup? by Isha2 on Friday September 20, 2024 @07:38AM (#41600978)

To plan a solid MVP strategy, start by laser-focusing on the core problem you aim to solve for your target users. Prioritize features that directly address this problem, and cut out anything non-essential. Emphasize speed without compromising on delivering real value—your goal is to test assumptions, not build the perfect product. Keep user feedback loops tight, iterate quickly, and always stay open to pivoting based on real-world insights. Balance ambition with practicality: think of your MVP as a learning tool, not a finished product.

[ Parent | on HN ]