Minimum Viable Product (MVP) vs. Maximum Lovable Product (MLP)

When it comes to product development, there are two different approaches product managers can take: Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and Maximum Lovable Product (MLP). The choice between these two approaches depends on various factors, such as the nature of the product, the state of the market, and the goals of the product manager.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

An MVP is a product that has the minimum set of features required to be released to the market and provides value to early adopters. The goal of an MVP is to test the market quickly and gather feedback from users to improve the product over time. This approach is typically used when there is uncertainty about the market or the product itself, and the focus is on validating the product’s potential before investing more resources.

An MVP can help product managers to:

• Test the viability of a product idea with minimum investment
• Identify the core features that are most important to users
• Gather feedback from users to improve the product over time
• Iterate the product quickly to stay ahead of the competition

However, there are also potential drawbacks to using an MVP approach. For example, an MVP may not provide the full user experience that is required to engage and retain users. Additionally, the focus on a minimum set of features may limit the potential of the product and fail to address the needs of all users.

Maximum Lovable Product (MLP)

An MLP is a product that has been designed to create an emotional connection with the user. This approach involves creating a product that users not only find useful but also love and feel an emotional attachment to. The focus is on providing a great user experience, with an emphasis on design, user experience, and personalization.

An MLP can help product managers to:

• Create a product that users will love and become emotionally attached to
• Differentiate the product from competitors by providing a unique and engaging experience
• Increase user engagement and retention by providing a great user experience
• Increase customer loyalty and advocacy by creating an emotional connection with users

However, there are also potential drawbacks to using an MLP approach. For example, the focus on creating a lovable product may lead to feature creep and scope creep, which can increase the time and cost of development. Additionally, the emotional attachment that users have to the product may make it difficult to make changes to the product over time.

Which Approach Should You Choose?

In general, an MVP approach is best suited for products that are innovative and uncertain, while an MLP approach is best suited for products that are well-defined and require a high level of user engagement. However, the decision between these two approaches ultimately depends on the product, the market, and the goals of the product manager.

Product managers should consider the following factors when deciding which approach to use:

• The level of uncertainty in the market and the product
• The level of competition in the market
• The maturity of the market
• The resources available for development
• The goals of the product manager

In summary, both the MVP and MLP approaches have their pros and cons, and the choice between them depends on the context in which the product is being developed. The key is to carefully consider the product, the market, and the goals of the product manager before making a decision. By doing so, product managers can create a successful product that meets the needs of users and achieves the desired business outcomes.

Originally published at https://briancchristensen.com on May 1, 2023.