Getting started - moving from Idea to MVP

Welcome to day one...!

So you found an idea you are excited and passionate about? Awesome! As a first-time founder, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty when moving the idea into a new business. One way to de-risk your venture and increase the chances of success is to quickly build a minimum viable product (MVP) and test it with customers quickly!

What is an MVP

An MVP is a prototype that allows you to test a core set of features with a small group of users, gather feedback, and iterate based on that feedback. But where do you begin? Here are 5 things to keep in mind as you move from idea to building an MVP:

1. Clearly define the problem and your target market: It's crucial to have a deep understanding of the problem you're trying to solve and the specific group of people you're trying to solve it for. This will help you create an MVP that speaks directly to your target market and addresses their needs effectively.

2. Identify the minimum set of features: When building an MVP, focus on the essential features that are necessary to solve the problem and meet the needs of your target market. Avoid adding unnecessary features that could distract from the core value of your product.

3. Keep it simple: An MVP should be as simple as possible while still providing value to your target market. Avoid over-engineering or adding unnecessary complexity to your MVP.

4. Test and iterate: An MVP is a prototype that's meant to be tested and refined based on feedback. Be sure to test your MVP with your target market and gather their feedback to inform further development.

5. Choose the right development process: Decide on the most appropriate development process for your MVP, taking into consideration factors such as the complexity of the product, the resources available, and the timeline for launching the MVP. Options include agile development, lean development, and more traditional waterfall development.

By following these guidelines, you can create an MVP that helps you test your product ideas, gather valuable feedback, and iterate based on that feedback to create a successful product.