Minimum viable product
Also called: MVP
ELI5
The smallest real product that can teach whether the idea works.
Used in conversation
“The MVP must be viable enough to produce trustworthy learning.”
Definition
The smallest product capable of testing a critical value and growth hypothesis with real users.
Here “Minimum viable product” means: The smallest product capable of testing a critical value and growth hypothesis with real users.
Pitch context
You will see “Minimum viable product” in product strategy decks, roadmaps, experiments and architecture reviews when the discussion reaches prototype, mvp, pilot & release stages.
Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret prototype, mvp, pilot & release stages without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.
Sources & evidence · 2
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- Scrum Guides — The Scrum Guide — official current versionSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16