Minimum Lovable Product (MLP)
The Minimum Lovable Product (MLP)
"Viability is left back in 2010s. Now it's minimal lovable product." — Elena Verna
What It Is
A development standard that prioritizes emotional connection, brand feel, and "magic" over simple functional viability. In an era where AI lowers the cost of building software, the differentiator becomes the joy of use.
When To Use
- Entering a crowded market with low barriers to entry
- Competitors offer similar utility
- When "MVP market tests" yield indifference, not feedback
- Building consumer or prosumer products
MVP vs. MLP
MVP (2010s) MLP (Now)
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