15 Best Minimum Viable Product Examples

Recently updated:

15 Best Minimum Viable Product Examples - image

Are you an ambitious entrepreneur or startup founder trying to promote your product vision? Do you struggle to choose product features or launch your business idea? Introducing a new product is scary, so keep the development cycle short and focused. That’s where Minimum Viable Product  (MVP) comes in. 

Entrepreneurs and company founders seek to maximize success while avoiding risks and expenses. The appropriate MVP can establish your concept, identify your target demographic, and obtain user input from early adopters without breaking the wallet. 

In this article, we’ve compiled 15 of the most outstanding MVP examples to help you develop your own.

What is MVP?

MVP stands for Minimum Viable Product, and it’s a term used in product development to describe the most miniature possible product that can be released to market that provides value to its users. 

The concept of MVP is often used in startups to quickly test a product idea and validate its market potential before investing significant time and resources.

The key idea behind MVP is to build a product with the minimum set of features that solves a specific problem for a specific user group. The purpose of an MVP is not to create a perfect or complete product but rather to create a starting point for learning and iterating based on feedback from users. 

By releasing an MVP, product teams can gather real-world feedback on their product, identify areas for improvement, and refine the product based on the feedback.

The process of developing an MVP and becoming a product manager typically involves several stages. First, the team identifies the problem they want to solve and defines the target audience. They then identify the essential features that are necessary to solve the problem and provide value to users. 

Once these features are identified, the team builds a simple, functional prototype that includes only the essential features. The prototype is then tested with a small group of users, and their feedback is used to refine and improve the product.

The MVP approach has several advantages. It allows product teams to quickly test product ideas and validate market potential without investing significant time and resources. It also helps teams identify product-market fit and avoid building products that don’t solve a real problem. Additionally, MVPs provide valuable feedback and insights that can be used to refine and improve the product over time.

Overall, MVP is a product development approach that emphasizes building the smallest possible product that provides value to users. 

It’s a valuable product management tool for startups and product teams looking to quickly test and validate product ideas and identify areas for improvement.

What are Types of MVP?

An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future product development. 

There are different types of MVPs that can be used depending on the nature of the product or service being developed, the target audience, and the available resources. 

Here are some common types of MVPs:

#1 Landing Page MVP

Landing Page MVP

Source: RST

Highlights

  • A landing page MVP allows you to test your idea with minimal effort and cost, helping you validate whether there’s demand for your product or service.
  • Instead of building a full product or service, a landing page MVP helps you save time and money by allowing you to test your concept without investing heavily in development.
  • By collecting data on user behavior, you can learn more about your target audience and how they interact with your offering. This feedback can help you refine your idea and make better decisions.
  • A well-designed landing page MVP can help you optimize your conversion rates by testing different messaging, designs, and calls to action.
  • If you’re looking to secure funding, a landing page MVP can demonstrate that you’ve done your due diligence in testing your idea, making you a more attractive investment opportunity.

#2 Demo Video MVP

Demo Video MVP

Source: Tech Crunch

Highlights

  • A demo video MVP helps to showcase your product’s key features and benefits to potential customers and investors in a visually engaging way.
  • It provides an efficient way to communicate your product’s value proposition and helps you to stand out in a crowded market.
  • By creating a demo video MVP, you can gather feedback from potential customers and make improvements to your product before launching it officially.
  • It can also help you to save time and money by avoiding the need for physical product demonstrations or expensive marketing campaigns.
  • Finally, a demo video MVP allows you to test the market and validate your product idea before investing significant resources into its development.

#3 Software Prototype MVP

Software Prototype MVP

Source: Mlsdev

Highlights

  • Helps in early validation of product concept and user feedback to improve the final product.
  • Reduces development time and cost by focusing on core functionalities and eliminating unnecessary features.
  • Enables developers to test and experiment with different technical solutions and architectures before committing to a full-scale build.
  • Provides a visual representation of the product, which aids in communication with stakeholders and investors.
  • Helps in attracting potential customers and investors by showcasing a working product, increasing the chances of funding and market success.

#4 Product Design MVP

Product Design MVP

Source: Tekrevol

Highlights

  • Helps to validate the product idea and its market fit with minimal resources.
  • Allows for quick feedback and iterations, leading to better product-market fit.
  • Reduces development time and cost by focusing on core features only.
  • Provides a low-risk way to test and refine the product concept before investing heavily in full development.
  • Increases the chances of success by enabling early user adoption and generating buzz around the product.

#5 Marketing MVP

Marketing MVP

Source: Curiosum

Highlights

  • By focusing on creating only the essential features, an MVP can save a lot of money in the initial stages of marketing a new product or service.
  • Since an MVP is built quickly, it can be launched much faster than a fully developed product, allowing you to test your concept and gather feedback early on.
  • An MVP allows you to collect valuable feedback from early users, which can help improve the product and make it more appealing to a wider audience.
  • By launching an MVP, you can quickly identify whether your product resonates with your target audience or not, which can inform your future marketing and product development decisions.
  • With an MVP, you can test the viability of your product or service with minimal investment, reducing the risk of spending a lot of money on a product that may not be successful in the market.

#6 Email MVP

Email MVP

Source: Business 2 MVP

Highlights

  • Allows for rapid testing and iteration of a product or service.
  • Provides an opportunity to gather user feedback and validate assumptions.
  • Saves time and money by focusing on only the essential features.
  • It can help attract investors by demonstrating a viable product with minimal investment.
  • Provides an opportunity to build a loyal user base from the earliest stages of product development.

#7 Single Feature MVP

Single Feature MVP

Source: Altar

Highlights

  • Allows for rapid development and testing of a product with minimal resources.
  • Enables the team to focus on the core value proposition of the product.
  • Reduces the risk of building a product that doesn’t meet customer needs.
  • Provides early feedback from customers on the most important feature.
  • Facilitates quick pivots or adjustments based on customer feedback.

#8 Piecemeal MVP

Piecemeal MVP

Source: Zinc

Highlights

  • Piecemeal MVP enables you to test the viability of your product in the market quickly by developing and testing only the core features.
  • By prioritizing the development of core features, you can save money by avoiding unnecessary development costs for features that may not be valuable to users.
  • By releasing a basic product and gathering user feedback, you can make informed decisions about which features to add or remove from the product.
  • Piecemeal MVP allows you to make changes to the product as needed based on feedback and changing market conditions.
  • By quickly getting a basic product to market, you can gain an advantage over competitors who may be slower to launch their own product.

#9 Concierge MVP

Concierge MVP

Source: MVP Workshop

Highlights

  • It enables startups to validate their product ideas with minimal resources, as they do not have to invest in the development of a full product.
  • Startups can gather feedback from their initial customers and make necessary improvements to their product before launching it in the market.
  • By serving early adopters in a more personalized way, startups can gather valuable feedback to fine-tune their products to better meet the needs of their target market.
  • As startups only need to create a minimal viable product, they can get to market faster than traditional product development approaches.
  • Concierge MVP allows startups to test their assumptions about their business model and product, which can help them avoid costly mistakes in the future.

#10 Wizard of Oz MVP

Zappos

Source: Altar

Highlights

  • Allows for quick and cost-effective testing of a product concept before investing in full development.
  • Enables gathering user feedback early in the product development cycle, leading to a more user-centered final product.
  • Allows for the exploration of multiple product ideas or design iterations in a short time frame.
  • Helps identify and address usability issues and user pain points early in the development process.
  • Allows for testing of complex or technically challenging features that may not be possible to fully implement in a minimum viable product (MVP) context.

#11 Crowdfunding MVP

Crowdfunding MVP

Source: Appetiser

Highlights

  • Crowdfunding MVP can help to validate your product or idea and assess the demand for it before investing significant resources.
  • You can gather valuable feedback from your backers during the crowdfunding campaign, which can be used to improve your product or service.
  • Crowdfunding MVP can also serve as a marketing tool, providing exposure to a large audience and helping to build brand awareness.
  • A successful crowdfunding campaign can provide the necessary funds to bring your product or idea to life without the need for external investors or loans.
  • Crowdfunding MVP can help to build a community of early adopters and brand ambassadors who can provide ongoing support and feedback for future development.

15 Best Examples of Minimum Viable Products for Inspiration

Here are 15  minimum viable product examples for your inspiration:

#1 Amazon

Amazon

Source: Altar

Amazon was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos as an online bookstore. 

The company’s initial prototype was a website that allowed customers to purchase books online and have them delivered to their doorstep. 

The hypothesis tested was whether customers would be willing to buy books online instead of from traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Highlights

  • Amazon offers a vast selection of products, from books to electronics, making it a convenient one-stop shop for all kinds of purchases.
  • Amazon’s extensive network of warehouses and delivery options ensures that customers can receive their orders quickly and with minimal hassle.
  • It is known for offering competitive pricing on many items, allowing customers to find good deals and save money.
  • It’s a user-friendly website and mobile app that makes shopping easy and convenient, with features such as one-click ordering and personalized recommendations.
  • Amazon’s Prime membership program offers a range of benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, and exclusive deals, making it a valuable investment for frequent shoppers.

#2 Zappos

Zappos

Source: Altar

Zappos is an online shoe and clothing retailer that was founded in 1999 by Nick Swinmurn.

 Its prototype was a website selling shoes with a hypothesis that customers would prefer buying shoes online due to convenience, wider selection, and lower prices.

Highlights

  • Zappos offers a wide selection of shoes and other products, providing customers with a convenient one-stop shop for their shopping needs.
  • The company offers free shipping and returns, making it easy for customers to try on shoes and clothing without any added expense or risk.
  • Zappos is known for its exceptional customer service, with representatives available 24/7 to assist with any questions or concerns.
  • The company has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, including programs to support education, the environment, and animal welfare.
  • Zappos offers a unique company culture with a focus on employee happiness and empowerment, leading to high levels of job satisfaction and low turnover rates.

#3 Airbnb

Airbnb

Source: Altar

Airbnb is an online marketplace for arranging or offering to lodge, founded in 2008 by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia. 

Its prototype was a website for renting air mattresses in a San Francisco apartment with a hypothesis that travelers would prefer staying in a home-like environment with locals, leading to more authentic and memorable experiences.

Highlights

  • Airbnb often offers cheaper accommodation options compared to traditional hotels, allowing travelers to save money on lodging.
  • With a wide variety of properties listed on the platform, travelers can find unique and personalized accommodation options that may not be available through traditional hotels.
  • Airbnb’s flexible booking options and self-check-in procedures provide convenience for travelers, allowing them to tailor their trip to their own schedule.
  • Airbnb provides an opportunity for product owners to earn extra income by renting out their space when it’s not in use.
  • Staying in an Airbnb property often provides a more authentic and immersive cultural experience, as guests can interact with locals and get a better sense of the local community.

#4 Groupon

Groupon

Source: Altar

Groupon is an e-commerce marketplace for discounts on products, services, and activities, The Ultimate List of MVP Examples [20+ Case Studies] founded in 2008 by Andrew Mason. 

Its prototype was a website that offered group discounts on local businesses with a hypothesis that customers would be attracted to significant savings and merchants would benefit from increased foot traffic and sales.

Highlights

  • Groupon offers discounted deals and coupons for a wide range of products and services, allowing consumers to save money on their purchases.
  • The platform offers a diverse range of deals, from local restaurants and activities to travel and goods, giving users many options to choose from.
  • Groupon can introduce users to new businesses they may not have tried before, helping to support local and small businesses.
  • Users can often receive better deals by buying in groups, providing extra savings and value for their money.
  • Groupon’s user-friendly platform and mobile app make it easy for users to find and redeem deals on the go.

#5 Facebook

Facebook

Source: Altar

Facebook is a social media platform founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg.

 Its prototype was a website for connecting college students with each other, with a hypothesis that people would enjoy having an online space to connect and share information and that social connections could be leveraged for various purposes, such as advertising.

Highlights

  • Facebook connects people across the world, allowing individuals to stay in touch with friends and family no matter where they are.
  • Users can share information, news, and updates quickly and easily on Facebook, keeping others informed and up-to-date.
  • It provides a platform for networking and professional connections, helping individuals to expand their social and professional circles.
  • Facebook’s advertising platform allows businesses to reach their target audience, making it an effective tool for marketing and promotion.
  • It offers a variety of content, including videos, photos, and games, providing entertainment and enjoyment for users.

#6 Instagram

Instagram

Source: Altar

Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social media platform founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. 

Its prototype was an app for sharing photos with filters and editing tools, with a hypothesis that people would enjoy sharing their lives visually and that high-quality photos would be more engaging and appealing to viewers.

Highlights

  • Instagram’s focus on visual content allows users to tell their stories through photos and videos, making it a powerful tool for self-expression and creativity.
  • Instagram provides a platform for engagement and community building, allowing users to connect with others who share similar interests and passions.
  • Instagram is a valuable tool for businesses to build their brand, showcase their products or services, and engage with their audience.
  • Instagram’s popularity among influencers makes it a useful platform for businesses to collaborate with influencers and promote their products or services.
  • Instagram’s content can inspire users with new ideas, perspectives, and creativity, providing a source of inspiration and motivation.

#7 Oculus Rift

Oculus Rift

Source: Smithsonianmag

Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset developed by Oculus VR, founded in 2012 by Palmer Luckey.

Its prototype was a VR headset with low latency, high field-of-view, and accurate head tracking, with a hypothesis that VR could provide a more immersive and engaging experience for various applications such as gaming, education, and social interaction.

Highlights

  • Oculus Rift provides an immersive virtual reality experience, allowing users to feel like they are truly in a different world.
  • With high-quality graphics and advanced motion tracking, the Oculus Rift creates an extremely realistic experience for users.
  • There is a wide range of games and apps available for the Oculus Rift, from action-packed games to educational experiences.
  • The Oculus Rift allows users to connect with others in virtual reality, providing a unique and engaging social experience.
  • Some games and apps on the Oculus Rift can promote fitness and wellness, encouraging users to be more active and engage in physical activity.

#8 Virgin Airlines

Virgin Airlines

Source: VirginAtlantic

Virgin Airlines is an airline founded in 1984 by Richard Branson.

 Its prototype was a low-cost airline with high-quality service and amenities, with a hypothesis that customers would be willing to pay a premium for a better flying experience and that cost-cutting measures could be implemented without sacrificing comfort and safety.

Highlights

  • Virgin Airlines offers comfortable seating, ample legroom, and top-notch amenities, providing a luxurious flying experience for passengers.
  • The airline is known for its friendly and helpful staff, who are dedicated to making the journey as enjoyable as possible.
  • Virgin Airlines offers a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and games, ensuring that passengers have plenty of options to stay entertained.
  • The airline provides high-quality food and drink options, including meals prepared by renowned chefs and a wide range of beverage options.
  • Virgin Airlines offers a loyalty program called “Velocity,” which allows frequent flyers to earn points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other perks.

#9 DropBox

DropBox

Source: Medium

Dropbox is a cloud storage and file-sharing platform founded in 2007 by Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi. 

Its prototype was file-syncing software with a hypothesis that people would prefer a simple and seamless way to access and share their files across different devices and that cloud storage would become increasingly popular as internet speeds and mobile devices improved.

Highlights

  • Dropbox provides an easy way for users to share files and collaborate on projects, with features such as shared folders and commenting.
  • Dropbox allows users to access their files from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy to work remotely or on the go.
  • The platform uses advanced security features such as two-factor authentication and encryption, ensuring that user data is safe and secure.
  • Dropbox automatically syncs files across devices, ensuring that users always have the most up-to-date versions of their files.
  • Dropbox offers a customizable product roadmap to fit the needs of individuals and businesses of all sizes, with options for storage, features, and pricing.

#10 Pebble

Pebble

Source: Fitbit

Pebble is a smartwatch brand founded in 2012 by Eric Migicovsky. Its prototype was a watch that connected to smartphones and provided notifications and fitness tracking, with a hypothesis that people would want a more convenient and discreet way to access their phone’s features and that wearable technology would become increasingly popular.

Highlights

  • Pebble smartwatches have a long battery life, lasting up to 7 days on a single charge, making them ideal for those who don’t want to constantly charge their devices.
  • Pebble watches are water resistant, allowing users to wear them while swimming, showering, or participating in water sports.
  • Pebble watches are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
  • The platform offers a wide range of customizable watch faces, allowing users to personalize their devices to their liking.
  • Pebble watches come with fitness tracking features such as step counting and sleep tracking, making them a great tool for those looking to improve their health and fitness.

#11 ProductHunt

ProductHunt

Source: Altar

Product Hunt is a platform for discovering and sharing new products, founded in 2013 by Ryan Hoover. 

Its prototype was a simple email newsletter that shared interesting new products, with a hypothesis that people would be interested in discovering and sharing new products and that social media could be leveraged for this purpose.

Highlights

  • Product Hunt provides a platform for users to discover new and innovative products, apps, and services.
  • The platform is driven by user-generated content, with community members submitting and voting on products.
  • Product Hunt provides a space for entrepreneurs, investors, and other professionals to network and connect with each other.
  • Users can gain early access to new products and services before they are released to the public, giving them a competitive advantage.
  • Product Hunt provides insights into emerging trends and industry developments, making it a valuable resource for professionals in various fields.

#12 Twitter

Twitter

Source: Altar

Twitter is a microblogging and social networking platform founded in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams.

 Its prototype was a simple SMS-based service for sending short status updates, with a hypothesis that people would want to share and follow short updates from friends, celebrities, and public figures and that real-time information and conversation could be a valuable asset.

Highlights

  • Twitter provides users with real-time updates on breaking news, making it a valuable resource for staying informed.
  • It allows users to connect with people in their industry or with similar interests, making it a great networking tool.
  • Twitter is a powerful tool for businesses to engage with customers, respond to inquiries, and address concerns.
  • It allows users to promote their content to a wider audience, increasing visibility and engagement.
  • Twitter uses hashtags to categorize content and make it easily discoverable, making it a valuable tool for search and discovery.

#13 Spotify

Spotify

Source: Altar

Spotify is a music streaming platform founded in 2006 by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon. 

Its prototype was a desktop app that provided legal, on-demand access to a large music library, with a hypothesis that people would prefer a more convenient and affordable way to listen to music and that streaming would become the dominant form of music consumption.

Highlights

  • Spotify offers access to a large music library, with millions of songs available to stream on demand.
  • The platform uses algorithms to provide personalized music recommendations based on user’s listening habits and preferences.
  • Users can upgrade to a premium subscription to enjoy ad-free listening and other additional features.
  • In addition to music, Spotify offers a wide range of podcasts on various topics, making it a one-stop shop for audio entertainment.
  • Spotify allows users to share their favorite songs and playlists with friends and followers on social media, making it a great tool for discovery and sharing.

#14 Etsy

Etsy

Source: Altar

Etsy is an e-commerce platform focused on handmade and vintage items, founded in 2005 by Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schoppik. 

Its prototype was a marketplace for independent artists and craftspeople to sell their unique goods online, with a hypothesis that people would prefer to buy and sell one-of-a-kind, handmade items and that a platform dedicated to such items would be successful.

Highlights

  • Etsy offers a platform for small business owners and independent creators to sell unique and handmade products, providing buyers with a wide range of unique items to choose from.
  • The platform allows users to create personalized profiles and follow their favorite shops and sellers, making it easy to discover and purchase items that match their style and interests.
  • Etsy supports small businesses and independent creators, providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience and grow their businesses.
  • Etsy is easy to use, with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for buyers and sellers to navigate the platform.
  • Many sellers on Etsy offer customization options for their products, allowing buyers to request personalized touches and create truly unique items.

#15 Instacart

Instacart

Source: Arkenea

Instacart is a grocery delivery and pick-up service founded in 2012 by Apoorva Mehta.

 Its prototype was a mobile app that allowed users to order groceries from local stores for same-day delivery, with a hypothesis that people would prefer a convenient and fast way to get their groceries and that a tech-enabled solution could make grocery delivery more efficient and profitable.

Highlights

  • Instacart offers on-demand grocery delivery, allowing users to shop for groceries from the comfort of their homes.
  • Instacart saves users time by eliminating the need to physically go to the grocery store and wait in lines.
  • Instacart offers a wide selection of products from various grocery stores, giving users access to a larger inventory than they might find at their local store.
  • Instacart employs personal shoppers to pick and pack orders, ensuring that customers receive fresh and high-quality products.
  • Instacart offers contactless delivery, providing a safe and convenient option for users during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FAQ

What is not MVP?

An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a version of a product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future development. 

Something that is not an MVP would be a fully-featured, polished product that includes all possible features and functionality. 

Such a product may take longer to develop and may not be necessary for initial testing and validation.

Why is MVP not POC?

MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and POC (Proof of Concept) serve different purposes. While POC is used to demonstrate the feasibility of a concept or idea, MVP is a working product with minimal features that are developed and tested with the goal of validating the product’s viability and potential market demand.

Why and How to define the goals of MVP

Defining the goals of MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is crucial to ensure that the product is aligned with the desired outcome and meets the needs of its users. 

Clear goals help in prioritizing features, improving user experience, and ultimately increasing the chances of product success. 

The goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

My take on MVP After Reviewing User Feedback

MVP, or Minimum Viable Product, is a useful concept in product development that involves creating the most basic version of a product that can still provide value to customers.

This approach can help you test your product idea with a smaller investment of time and resources and gather feedback from early adopters to improve your product.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that simply building a technical MVP is not enough to ensure success. 

You also need to consider whether your MVP is a viable business model. This means thinking carefully about factors such as customer acquisition, pricing, and revenue streams.

Table of Contents

Milan Dolansky is a product management expert with 15+ years of experience. He has developed, and managed products used by millions of customers worldwide and has a background in fintech and banking. Milan also shares his insights on product management and AI as a blogger. His blog covers the latest trends and best practices in the field in simple and understandable language. His expertise in the industry has made him a sought-after commentator on topics such as digital transformation and product innovation. Both his career and blogging have allowed him to bring a unique perspective to the industry.

Hero Product Launch
Product management
Milan Dolansky
Product Launch

A product launch is an event that marks the introduction of a new product into the market. In this article, we will explore the essential elements of a successful product launch and outline the steps businesses can take to ensure their new products gain the attention they deserve.

Read More »
5 Agile Ceremonies Explained
Product management
Milan Dolansky
5 Agile Ceremonies Explained

Agile ceremonies provide essential frameworks for scrum teams to collaborate, communicate, and continuously improve their work. By implementing the daily stand-up, sprint review, sprint retrospective, product backlog refinement, and sprint planning, teams can enhance their productivity, alignment, and value delivery.

Read More »
Hero Design Research
Product management
Milan Dolansky
Design Research

Design research refers to a systematic approach of collecting and analyzing information that aids in making decisions about designing future products or services. In this article, we will explore the importance of design research and how it can benefit your design projects.

Read More »

Copy right 2023 @ milansgo.com

Scroll to Top