According to the classic definition, a minimum viable product implies building a functioning solution that solves a specific user problem, even if it’s simple. Yet, in a broader sense, more tactics can serve as an MVP for idea validation and testing. Let’s take a closer look at the various types of MVPs.
Are there ways to safeguard your investment before actually building a product? And what can be used as a minimum viable product? 🤔
Depending on the goals, budget, and available resources, you can opt for different MVP types. Some methods can’t be directly labeled as MVPs but may serve as a tool for feasibility testing. In contrast, other more intricate types can be a temporary workaround for more effort-intensive custom MVP development.
That said, fidelity measures how close the MVP resembles your planned final version of the product.
🪫 Low-Fidelity MVPs
Such MVPs don’t require building a product. In essence, they are handy if you want to find out whether the product is even worth pursuing. They’re a good match if you want to test your idea and user interest in the product without spending resources on actual development.
Low-fidelity MVPs are engagement-focused and great for studying the market and checking your assumptions. What can you use? Smoke tests (a.k.a landing pages), email or marketing campaigns, fake door MVPs, prototypes, and video demos, to name a few.
🔋 High-Fidelity MVPs
On the other hand, high-fidelity MVPs mean you’ll actually have a working product to provide users, even if it’s basic and simplistic. Sure, such a minimum viable product requires more work, but you’ll get to test your product with real customers and maybe even make money. Not to mention that this is a wonderful way to learn about your clients’ wants and needs, get product feedback, and how to proceed with product development best.
What kind of high-fidelity MVPs are there?
- Concierge MVPs (manually delivering services, and your customers will know that);
- Wizard of Oz MVPs (mimicking automation, although you do work manually);
- Piecemeal MVPs (created quickly using various ready-made tools and solutions);
- Single-feature MVPs (emphasize one killer feature that solves the user’s pain point).
Surely, you’re always free to combine different types of MVPs. As such, you may iterate from low-fidelity to high-fidelity methods as you collect feedback and refine your product. And if you need more details on the MVP types mentioned above, browse the full guide, which explains when each is best applicable and gives examples 👇
