Defining the features of an MVP begins with understanding user scenarios. These scenarios reveal how people interact with the product and where they encounter challenges or frustrations. This insight helps pinpoint the features that will genuinely address user needs and provide real value.
To prioritize features effectively, the Kano model is often used. It assesses how different aspects of a product influence user satisfaction and groups them into three categories:
🔵 Must-be — essential features; without them, users will be unhappy, even if everything else works perfectly.
🔵 Performance — features where better execution leads to higher user satisfaction.
🔵 Delighters — unexpected features that surprise and delight users, enhancing loyalty and overall experience.
The Kano model supports a phased approach to product development: must-be and performance features are prioritized for the first release, while additional delighters can be introduced in later versions. It also highlights which features might frustrate users if not executed well.
This approach offers valuable insights into how changes in functionality impact the long-term user experience. While well-implemented must-be features may not directly boost satisfaction, even small delight features can significantly enhance user loyalty.
Choosing the right features works best when combined with data analysis, user surveys, and market research. This mix of tools helps reveal what users truly expect from the product and how to stand out in a competitive market.
Here are some examples of essential MVP features for different types of apps:
E-commerce
⬜️ User registration and login
⬜️ Product catalog with search and filters
⬜️ Shopping cart and checkout
⬜️ Payment processing
⬜️ Order tracking
FinTech
⬜️ User authorization and verification
⬜️ Account balance overview
⬜️ Transaction history
⬜️ Funds transfer
Booking services
⬜️ Search and filter available options
⬜️ Make a booking
⬜️ View and manage reservations
⬜️ Reservation status notifications
An MVP is the first step in product development, letting you test ideas with real users while keeping risks and costs low. Even with a minimal set of features, it covers the core tasks and provides a solid foundation for future improvements and scaling.
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