Minimum Viable Product / Marketing

A minimum viable product (MVP) is the simplest version of a new product that includes only the core features needed to satisfy early adopters and gather feedback. The purpose of an MVP is to test assumptions, learn how users interact with the product and validate demand before investing in full development. It supports agile development and helps reduce the risk of building something that does not meet user needs.

An MVP is not a prototype or a rough draft. It is a functional, user-facing product that delivers real value, even if in a limited form. For example, a nonprofit might launch a basic online donation form before building a full donor portal. A SaaS company might release a stripped-down version of its platform with one or two core features to test with a target group. The goal is to launch quickly, gather feedback and use those insights to guide future improvements.

Creating an MVP allows teams to focus on solving a specific problem for a specific audience. It supports faster iteration, clearer priorities and smarter use of resources. For startups and innovation teams, this approach encourages experimentation and reduces time to market. For B2B and nonprofit sectors, MVPs are often used to test new tools, services or engagement models with low upfront costs. Key success metrics include user engagement, retention, feedback quality and conversion from early users to long-term supporters or customers.