Formulating a clear value proposition

An MVP must communicate why it exists and what benefit it delivers. This is done through a value proposition, a short statement that explains how the product solves a problem, why it is useful, and what makes it different. A strong value proposition helps both users and stakeholders quickly understand the point of the MVP.

A poor value proposition might say, “A tool for better teamwork,” which is vague and hard to measure. A clearer one would be, “A tool that lets remote teams share files instantly and reduce email use by 40%.” The second example is more specific and makes a promise that can be tested.

By formulating the value proposition early, the team gains a reference point for feature selection and evaluation. If a proposed feature does not support the promise, it likely does not belong in the MVP. This discipline keeps the design simple and aligned with the problem.