What is a Minimum Lovable Product (MLP)? (Plus, MLP vs. MVP and when to use each one)
Understanding the difference between a minimum viable product vs a minimum lovable product and when to use each one
What is a Minimum Lovable Product (MLP)
A minimum lovable product takes it a few steps up from a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Although it also aims to provide a functional solution to a user's problem just like an MVP does, an MLP also puts in extra effort in design to deliver a desirable product that'll bring value early on and that the audience will love.
Making the product's design attractive and logical is done to ensure that the user's experience with the solution is seamless. If people truly enjoy this early version of the product, this will raise the chances of creating an emotional connection with the target audience.
A flawless user experience is integral for products that aim for long-term success. People are accustomed to and hungry for appealing designs and expect the utmost usability. They get easily irritated by irrational element placement, slow page loading time, or the necessity to figure out how to use a feature. Modern users quickly get disappointed by extra steps, uncalled-for movements, taps, clicks and scrolls, awful fonts and colours, or poor UX/UI decisions, causing them to abandon the product and flee.
This is why you must distinguish yourself — from the first interaction a customer has with your company to the product experience itself. An MLP can be a way to differentiate your product in a crowded marketplace.
That's why some entrepreneurs believe that a simplistic MVP might not be enough and that it's worth creating an MLP that clings and can get a user excited about the upcoming changes.
To build an MLP, you must deeply consider what customers care about, their problems, and how to improve their lives. Consider the customer experience as a whole and strive for love at every stage. As a result, customers will not only purchase your product or service — but they will also want to see your company thrive.
Starting with an MLP mindset also informs how you continue to build upon your initial product offering. As you iterate, you are always thinking about how to delight your customers rather than doing the bare minimum.
What is a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
A minimum viable product implies creating a basic version of the product with a minimal feature set that's necessary to satisfy the target audience's needs. It is used to verify product hypotheses, validate ideas, get feedback, and make improvements before investing in the creation of a full-fledged product.
When to use each one
