Defining success criteria for the MVP

An MVP is built to test assumptions, and clear success criteria reveal whether those assumptions hold true. Without defined metrics, results are open to interpretation, which often leads teams to confirm their own opinions instead of looking at evidence.

Success should always be measurable. A vague statement like “users should enjoy the product” is not enough, because enjoyment cannot be tracked in a precise way. A better criterion is “at least 60% of test users should complete a purchase flow without errors.” The difference is that one can be measured, compared, and used to guide the next step, while the other is open to guesswork.

Good criteria often focus on user behavior, adoption rates, or usability scores. These benchmarks prevent wasted effort, as they give a clear signal of whether the MVP meets expectations. They also build trust with stakeholders, since everyone knows what evidence will guide decisions about refining, pivoting, or investing further.^[1]