The Power of an MVP: How to Launch Your Product with Confidence

Launching a successful product is challenging but doesn't have to be a gamble. A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) can help you test the waters, validate your idea, and gather crucial user feedback without spending a lot.

An MVP is “version one” of your app, software-as-a-service (SaaS) product, or digital platform. It lets you launch your solution to real users and gain feedback to strengthen your product. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through building an MVP. We’ll also explain what sets an MVP apart from other strategies and share best practices for success. 

What’s the Difference Between a Prototype and an MVP? 

Think of a prototype and an MVP as two dots along the vetting process timeline. A prototype is a less-developed version of an idea, while an MVP is a functional product. Both garner valuable support and buy-in but in different ways with different audiences. 

Prototypes are product mock-ups. Interactive prototypes allow users to engage with the product’s user interface and validate the user experience. They’re often used to gain investor support for developing an MVP.

A minimum viable product, or MVP, is an early form of an app or digital product. Prototypes validate user experiences, and MVPs validate business models. An MVP can demonstrate to investors and stakeholders that a business model is worth backing. 

How Long Does it Take to Build an MVP?

Earlier forms of validation, like a proof of concept or prototype, can take days or weeks to create. For an MVP, however, expect to spend at least a few months in development. The exact timeline will depend on the product, the industry, and any underlying assumptions. 

If development lasts more than four months, your MVP has probably fallen victim to poor feature prioritization. Too many bells and whistles hinder the goal of validating the business model. 

Stages to Build an MVP

1. Validate Product Ideas

Before writing any code, first determine if your product ideas are worth pursuing. Carefully research your industry, target market, and the problem you intend to solve. 

This process could involve scouring industry forums to gauge demand or analyzing key players in a competitive analysis. Validating your idea is critical to building a product with real demand. 

2. Define & Build Your MVP 

Next, outline the core elements of your MVP. Remember, an MVP should contain only the functions necessary to achieve your goal. You can always refine your product later. 

After establishing the key features, break them into bite-sized development “sprints” and create opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. An agile, iterative approach will speed up your time to market and strengthen your idea. Leaning on established development frameworks and libraries can also reduce the time and cost of building an MVP. 

3. Test & Measure the Success of Your MVP

When your MVP is complete, it’s time to test it. Aim to get your app in front of as many beta users in your target market as possible. Their input can validate your direction and pinpoint weaknesses or new opportunities. Ultimately, this clarity de-risks future investments and streamlines iteration.

Lance Theobald, a Designli client and founder of SecūrSpace, learned this while launching his transportation logistics app. Here’s how he advises first-time founders: 

Beta users are important for getting feedback and improving the business plan, but it’s also so important to get out there to see if you’re actually providing value to people and if they value what you are doing enough to pay you for it.

4. Product Evolution & Iteration

Your MVP is just the beginning! Through iteration and feedback, it will evolve into a truly remarkable product that perfectly meets your users' needs.

A continuous improvement approach keeps your product aligned with user wants and needs. Determine the improvements most critical to your product's success. Then, gradually release changes to users over time. The most effective digital products ask, “How might we provide even more value to our customers?” 

Final Thoughts on Building an MVP

Developing an MVP can smooth your path to software success. By validating your ideas, prioritizing core features, gathering feedback, and embracing an iterative approach, you can create a user-centric product that captures the attention of your target market. Remember, an MVP isn’t the end goal; it’s a great way to launch your product successfully. 

Build Your MVP with an Experienced Product Development Partner

Designli’s proprietary SolutionLab process is the antidote to bulky, ineffective waterfall development. By embracing the lean startup methodology, we help companies of all sizes transform an idea into a complete plan to build your V1. With a clear vision and a development-ready task backlog, we build MVPs ready for real users.