5 Common Misconceptions About MVP Development for Non-Technical Cofounders

As a software agency, we understand the importance of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in the startup world. It allows founders to test their ideas and validate their business model before committing significant resources to a full-scale product launch. However, many non-technical cofounders may not fully understand the MVP development process and may hold misconceptions that could potentially harm their project. In this blog post, we will address the five most common misconceptions about MVP development for non-technical cofounders.

Misconception #1: An MVP is a fully-functional product

The most basic misconception about an MVP is that it should be a fully-functional product. In reality, an MVP is a simplified version of a product that has only the core features and functionality. The purpose of an MVP is to test the market and get feedback, not to launch a complete product. This approach allows startup founders to focus on the most important aspects of their product and gather feedback from their target market to understand which features are truly necessary and which can be removed or improved. This approach not only saves time and resources but also helps to avoid building a product that doesn't meet the needs of the target market.

Misconception #2: An MVP should be cheap and fast to develop

Another common misconception is that an MVP should be cheap and fast to develop. While it is true that an MVP should be developed quickly and with minimal resources, it is important to remember that it is still a product, and a good product takes time and resources to create. Cheap and fast development may lead to a poor-quality MVP that does not accurately test the market. This can result in a product that does not meet the needs of the target market, and ultimately leads to a failed startup. Therefore, it's important to find a balance between speed and quality, and to invest enough resources to create a polished MVP that can effectively test the market.

Misconception #3: An MVP should be launched as soon as possible

Many non-technical cofounders may believe that an MVP should be launched as soon as possible, but this could lead to launching an MVP that is not fully tested and validated. It is important to thoroughly test the MVP and gather feedback before launching to ensure that the product meets the needs of the target market. This can be done through user testing, focus groups, or beta testing. By gathering feedback early on, startup founders can identify any issues with their MVP and make necessary changes before launching to the general public. This approach not only improves the chances of success but also saves time and resources in the long run.

Misconception #4: An MVP can be developed in-house

While it may be possible for a non-technical cofounder to develop an MVP in-house, it is often more beneficial to work with a software development agency. Agencies have the experience and resources to quickly and effectively develop an MVP and can provide valuable feedback and insights during the development process. Furthermore, agencies can also provide valuable expertise in areas such as user experience, design, and development which can help to improve the overall quality of the MVP. Additionally, they can also help with the testing and validation process and provide valuable feedback on how to improve the MVP.

Misconception #5: An MVP is a one-time event

Lastly, many non-technical cofounders may believe that an MVP is a one-time event, but in reality, it is an ongoing process. After launching the MVP, it is important to gather feedback, analyze data, and iterate on the product. An MVP is a continually evolving product that should be updated and improved based on feedback from the target market. This approach allows startup founders to stay agile and adapt to changing market conditions, and ensures that the product remains relevant and competitive. Additionally, it's important to remember that the MVP is not a final product, but rather a stepping stone towards the final product. Therefore, it's necessary to continue testing and validating the MVP, gathering feedback and iterating on the product to ensure that it meets the needs of the target market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an MVP is a crucial step in the startup process, but non-technical cofounders may hold misconceptions about the development process that can potentially harm their project. By understanding that an MVP should be a simplified version of a product, that it should be developed quickly but with quality, that it should be thoroughly tested and validated before launching, that it's beneficial to work with a software development agency, and that it's an ongoing process of testing, gathering feedback and iterating on the product, non-technical cofounders can effectively develop an MVP that meets the needs of their target market and ultimately increase their chances of success.