Secrets of an MVP: common mistakes and how to avoid them

At nazaríes intelligenia, we have had the opportunity to develop multiple MVPs across different industries, each providing valuable insights and lessons. Through these experiences, we have identified key challenges, common mistakes, and best practices to improve the MVP development process. In this article, we share some of the most important takeaways to help avoid pitfalls and maximize success. Let’s get straight to the point!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them: 

• Lack of clarity about the problem to be solved:  

It seems obvious, but one of the most common mistakes is to build an MVP without validating that the problem really exists. In my experience, it is essential to start by defining the customer need and establishing success metrics. Without this, you run the risk of investing time and resources in something that the market does not need. 

• Challenge of reaching a critical user base on supply and demand platforms:  

In projects where success depends on balancing supply and demand, one of the most common mistakes is failing to achieve initial critical mass. It's a classic 'chicken and egg' problem: without enough suppliers (supply), there is no demand, and without robust demand, suppliers are not motivated to participate. I have seen this lack of balance prevent the MVP from gaining traction, resulting in a vicious cycle that prevents the project from growing or even getting off the ground. Before jumping into a big technology investment, solve this problem first (or pretend to solve it with 'Wizard of Oz' techniques). 

• Too many features:  

The temptation to include everything you can think of can lead to a saturated and complex product. One customer even asked me for a product that included many of the features of Amazon (a marketplace) along with a social network, gamification and many other features. The key is to focus on the essential functionality that validates the main hypothesis: if your innovation is to mix a marketplace with a social network, use projects that already exist and add your layer of value on top of them, rather than implementing everything from scratch. 

• Before you launch, seek perfection: 

Waiting for a flawless product is often counterproductive. An MVP is not meant to be perfect; it is meant to allow you to iterate quickly based on feedback. Experience has taught me that releasing a functional, albeit basic, version is much more effective than waiting to perfect every detail. I have had clients who were successful because of this, and because they knew how to pivot in time and change something as important as the monetisation of the project. And others who waited so long to launch their product that their competitors beat them to the market. 

• Ignore user feedback:  

Many teams make the mistake of not listening to their early adopters. Collecting, analysing and acting on feedback is essential to iterate and improve the product. I've seen clients with too much ego who didn't take user criticism well. Early feedback is the compass that guides development towards what the market really needs. 

• Lack of clear metrics:  

Without measurable objectives, it is difficult to know if you are learning enough. It is essential to define indicators (such as conversion or retention rates) to evaluate the performance of the MVP. This practice, inspired by the Lean Startup methodology, allows you to make informed decisions and know when to pivot, scale or exit. 

Successes and failures: learning from experience 

• Airbnb:  

Two founders validated their idea by placing three inflatable mattresses in their living room and creating a simple website to offer accommodation. This minimal test proved that there was demand, allowing them to refine the proposition and build trust with users.  

• Dropbox:  

Instead of building a full version, Drew Houston created a demo video that simulated how Dropbox worked. It was so successful that thousands of people signed up to use the service, validating the idea without writing a single line of code.  

• Instagram:  

Originally called Burbn, the app had multiple functions. Realising that users only valued the photo-sharing option, the founders cut out the rest and focused on the essentials, leading to explosive growth. 

• Failures like Quibi and Juicero:  

Quibi launched a product that was too complex and without prior testing (10-minute videos), while Juicero chose an expensive hardware solution without validating the real need. Both cases show the importance of testing ideas on a small scale before investing large resources. 

Trends and innovations in MVP creation 

Today, innovative approaches are being adopted to facilitate the validation of ideas and to reinforce the M for Minimal: 

• MVP without code (no-code):  

Tools that enable the rapid creation of functional prototypes without programming. This reduces costs and speeds up the validation process.  

• MVP ‘Concierge’ and ‘Wizard of Oz’:  

Strategies that simulate the full functionality of a product with manual or semi- automated processes, allowing the idea to be tested without developing the full technology. 

• High-fidelity prototyping:  

Using design tools to create interactive experiences and get early feedback on usability and user experience.  

• Crowdfunding as validation:  

For physical products, platforms like Kickstarter allow you to gauge market i nterest before making large investments in production. 

Can you help us enrich this post? 💬 Let us know your experience of creating MVPs in the comments.