A core concept in [[product development]] that refers to the simplest version of a product that can be released to test a business hypothesis. It contains just enough features to attract early adopters and validate an idea early in the product development cycle. The goal of an MVP is to learn as much as possible with the least amount of effort, time, and resources. This concept plays a central role in [[📚 The Lean Startup_Ries_2011|The Lean Startup]] methodology by [[Eric Ries]], which emphasizes rapid experimentation and [[validated learning]]. MVPs are the tools used to perform these experiments, helping [[entrepreneurs]] avoid building products nobody wants. Instead of investing heavily upfront, teams launch MVPs to gather user feedback and iterate quickly based on real-world data. By focusing on learning rather than perfection, MVPs reduce the risk of failure and help teams [[pivot]] or persevere based on evidence. They allow for a fast [[build-measure-learn cycle]], which is the backbone of Lean Startup. Ultimately, MVPs help businesses make informed decisions and develop products that better fit market needs.