First things first, let’s make sure we agree on what MVP means. Minimum Viable Product is a lean and efficient approach to testing a product idea. The focus is on developing the simplest version of a product that solves a specific customer problem or meets a critical need while minimizing unnecessary features, and resource expenditure. It’s about efficiently validating the product concept and gathering valuable feedback from users to inform future iterations.
By being strategic and thoughtful in MVP design, you set the stage for a successful and scalable product. Along with emphasizing the importance of getting the details right and understanding the core problem, there are other key factors I’ve learned. These factors all revolve around ensuring that the product effectively validates the needs of customers.
Doing more with Less
Often times I found myself questioning my design process when working on an MVP. Expectations often differ significantly when compared to products already in the market. Evaluating this and engaging in discussions with colleagues about their experiences provided the guidance I needed to streamline the entire process. I realized that a positive MVP story doesn’t always require starting from scratch with in-depth problem research; it can often be intuitively extracted from the wealth of information available on the interweb. Additionally, I discovered that studying feedback from competitors’ products, including YouTube comments, Product Hunt reviews, and similar platforms, is incredibly valuable — Gold. Honest feedback from users who have integrated the product into their daily lives is essential for a user-centric approach. While in-depth research has its value, it may not be the most efficient use of time within the constraints of an MVP timeframe. It’s crucial to remember that MVPs are primarily about learning and should not involve overthinking.
‘Mirroring Approach’ can save time and money
“What to copy is a little bit trickier. Don’t just steal the style, steal the thinking behind the style. You don’t want to look like your heroes, you want to see like your heroes”
— Austin Kleon, Steal like an artist
Delving into a deep understanding of why a design concept was able to solve a particular problem gives insights into how to face similar challenges without the element of surprise. I spent most of my time trying to fix what was not broken because I did not want to be perceived as a non-creative person, or perhaps I was not putting in the hard work. Until I realized that there is not one specific formula for creativity; instead, it’s about understanding the underlying principles and adapting them to your unique creative process. The “Mirroring approach” proved to expedite MVP design through its emphasis on solving the one primary problem, enabling rapid feedback and iteration, reducing redundancy, and ensuring alignment with business goals. This streamlined process accelerated the time to launch a successful Minimum Viable Product.
Prioritize Users Appetite
In my previous role, I had a 1:1 with my design manager, he inquired about strategies to accelerate our upcoming project’s delivery. After careful consideration and evaluation of our current methods, we realized that a significant amount of our time was dedicated to visual design. While speed is paramount, we also recognized the importance of visual design. To streamline our UI design process, leveraging pre-built UI components has proven to be a time-saving measure throughout the design and development phases, ultimately facilitating faster project completion and quicker product launches. This approach has not only enhanced the efficiency of my work but has also made a notable positive impact on the quality of MVP products we have collaborated on. The Untitled UI kit stands out as a valuable investment for designers seeking modern, customizable components to expedite product launches. Its usage has demonstrated cost-effectiveness in collaborative projects and encourages creative exploration without the need to reinvent basic design elements. Additionally, UI kits often embody best practices in terms of usability and user experience, resulting in a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Primary problem
It’s a straightforward concept, the primary issue a user expects an MVP to address is usually a specific need or pain point they have. Users want the MVP to resolve this problem or meet a particular requirement. The goal is to offer a basic version of the product that provides a solution to the user’s core problem or delivers a fundamental set of features that cater to their needs. Users are empowered to test the concept, provide feedback, and ensure it effectively addresses their primary concerns before further development. Essentially, users seek an MVP as a practical and effective solution to their most pressing issue or requirement. As a designer, focusing efforts on planning and solutions aimed at tackling the primary problem creates a valuable MVP for the user. Tailoring this experience always reduces ambiguity and simplifies the user experience.
Key Takeaways
In summary, I have learned the following:
- The importance of a well-defined primary problem.
- The value of the mirroring approach to accelerate MVP design.
- Achieving greater impact within a shorter timeframe.
- The significance of leveraging available tools and kits to their fullest potential.
- The crucial role of visual design in shaping the initial user impression.
MVPs not only test product hypotheses but also pave the way for a successful and scalable product. What I’ve come to understand is that the key distinction between designing for MVPs and fully-developed products is the necessity for slightly accelerated execution and a reduction in the fixation for perfection.
Thank you for reading! If this was valuable, applaud and stick around for more.
