how i build mvp products

after years of building products and helping startups launch, i've developed a philosophy for rapid mvp development that focuses on speed without sacrificing quality. here's my approach to building products that matter.

the mvp mindset

the biggest barrier to launching isn't technical - it's psychological. we often get caught up in making things perfect when what we really need is to get something in front of users.

core principles:

  1. launch to learn

    • your first version should be embarrassing
    • real user feedback > perfect code
    • if you're not slightly uncomfortable launching, you waited too long

  2. focus on one thing

    • solve one problem exceptionally well
    • say no to "nice to have" features
    • resist the urge to expand scope

  3. embrace constraints

    • limitations breed creativity
    • tight deadlines force prioritization
    • constraints help you focus on what matters

the 80/20 approach

identify the 20% of features that will deliver 80% of the value. this means:

  • building core features first
  • leaving nice-to-haves for later
  • focusing on what users actually need

speed vs. technical debt

there's a common misconception that moving fast means writing bad code. in reality:

  • good architecture enables speed
  • technical debt is okay if it's strategic
  • know which corners to cut

the validation loop

the real purpose of an mvp is to start the validation loop:

  1. build something small
  2. get it in front of users
  3. collect feedback
  4. iterate quickly

when to launch

launch when you have:

  • solved the core problem
  • basic user flow works
  • essential features implemented
  • no major bugs

don't wait for:

  • perfect design
  • complete feature set
  • edge cases
  • nice-to-have features

the human element

remember that mvps are about people, not just products:

  • focus on solving real problems
  • maintain clear communication
  • build relationships with early users
  • listen more than you talk

conclusion

building mvps is an art of balance - between speed and quality, features and simplicity, perfect and good enough. the key is to stay focused on what matters: getting something useful in front of real users as quickly as possible.

remember: the goal isn't to build a perfect product; it's to start learning from real users as quickly as possible. everything else is secondary.

interested in discussing mvp development or need help with your project? reach out on twitter or schedule a call.