Film shoot “Working with the MVP”
Our Idea: We are creating short films to explain concepts of agile work.
Last Friday, we had another Agilizer video meeting for our tutorial! In short videos, we describe terms related to (agile) collaboration in a different way. I’m involved with three topics on how to develop products agilely and efficiently in a complex environment: For instance, why an MVP, or “Minimum Viable Product,” is not a prototype and how working with the MVP can lead to new business models. Additionally, why RACI, a method for representing responsibilities, can quickly become a blunt justification tool when used excessively, and the difficulties that arise when “responsible” is translated into English as “responsible,” but actually means “accountable.”
What is an MVP?
MVP stands for Minimum Viable Product, which refers to a minimally viable = functional (i.e., usable) product. Simply put, the ink cartridge of a ballpoint pen is an MVP: the tube, ink, ball, and ball socket fulfill the primary function of the product, which is to write on paper. Everything else, like the casing, clip, color, or decorative ring, are additional parts for additional functions.
An MVP is Not a Prototype
A prototype, in the technical sense, is a simple model of a product made often from spare materials, in any conceivable configuration, including the maximum possible configuration. A prototype is not necessarily functional—for example, a life-sized cardboard model of a car that does not fulfill the function of driving.
An MVP Executed as a Prototype
An MVP, when executed as a prototype, provides maximum valuable customer feedback because this feedback pertains to the fundamental function of a product. It comes very early in the product development project phase, where a lot of adjustments and changes can still be made to the product.
An Element of the Business Model “Lean Startup”
The concept of the Minimum Viable Product is a key component of the Lean Startup model by Eric Ries. The following detailed description illustrates why the MVP is important for the entire product creation process and why it is much more than just a tangible object.
An MVP is a Valuable Reference for the Product and Development Team
The created MVP becomes a reference point for everyone involved in the project and their individual ideas. Any change that an individual makes to the product in the future can be perceived, described, and evaluated by all other participants and is, in contrast to an idea in a person’s mind, subject to physical limits. For example, limits of durability, stability, haptics, strength, and much more.
Want to learn more about agile approaches to technology product development? Then schedule an appointment for a no-obligation conversation, and together we can explore what future collaboration could look like.
