The terms Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and Minimum Lovable Product (MLP) represent different approaches to product development and market validation.
Core Concepts
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Focuses on core functionality
- Emphasizes learning and validation
- Prioritizes speed over polish
- Minimal features to test assumptions
Minimum Lovable Product (MLP)
- Emphasizes user experience
- Balances functionality with quality
- Focuses on user satisfaction
- Complete, polished features
I have loved working by LEAN methodology and defining an MVP has been the go-to. It’s so popular almost every client is familiar with the strategy.
Over the years, without realising it, I had transitioned from MVP to MLP. The way I see it, it wasn’t a matter of choice but a natural evolution. Another point I’m trying to make is that it’s not a far fetched concept especially if you’re familiar with LEAN and/or have been in the role of a product manager. You’ll notice the advantages of MLP over MVP.
Comparison
| Aspect | MVP | MLP |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Validate assumptions | Delight users |
| Feature Set | Minimal core features | Complete, polished features |
| Development Time | Faster to market | More time-consuming |
| User Experience | Basic functionality | Refined experience |
| Feedback Type | Binary (works/doesn’t) | Qualitative (love/hate) |
| Risk Level | Lower | Higher |
WRT the “Risk Level”, strictly speaking, rather being strictly mechanical about it, in case of MVP, it’s lower. Success of that parameter will eventually be shadowed by UX anyway. So conforming to the above stated comparision, I’d say that it’s better to take the risks sooner than later.
WRT the “Development Time” in case of MLP, it’s a valid concern; We’ll want to add the needed bells and whistles but it’s important to bear in mind that it’s still a “Minumim” lovable product. At times, defining a product with a clear set of quality metrics and user feedback loops takes up much time too.
Best Practices
- MVP Best Practices - Start with absolute minimum features
- Focus on one core use case
- Plan for rapid iteration
- Build for learning
- MLP Best Practices - Define clear quality metrics
- Include user feedback loops
- Polish core features thoroughly
- Test with real users
Ref: https://www.aha.io/roadmapping/guide/plans/what-is-a-minimum-lovable-product