MVP vs. MLP: Which Strategy Will Drive Growth for Business?

 

Bringing a new product to market is a balancing act. Will you launch quickly with a functional yet basic version to validate demand? Or will you invest in crafting an engaging experience that users will instantly love? This decision between a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a Minimum Lovable Product (MLP) can determine how well your product gains traction, retains users and scales over time.

Even though both approaches aim to get a product into users’ hands as quickly as possible, they serve different purposes. An MVP focuses on functionality and learning. While an MLP prioritises user experience and emotional connection. Understanding which approach fits your business goals can set you up for long-term success.

So, should you prioritise viability or lovability? Let’s explore the differences and determine what’s best for your business.

What is an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)?

An MVP is a basic version of a product that includes just enough features to be functional and testable by early adopters. The goal is to validate assumptions, gather user feedback, and iterate quickly before investing in full-scale development.

Key Characteristics of an MVP:

• • Core functionality only – No extra features, just what’s necessary to solve a problem.
  • Fast to market – Speed matters and an MVP should be built and launched quickly.
  • Focused on learning – The primary goal is collecting user feedback to improve the product.
  • Lower initial investment – Saves time and money by avoiding unnecessary development.

Some Examples of MVPs:

• • Dropbox – Launched with a simple explainer video to attract interest before building the product.
  • Airbnb – Started with a simple website listing a few properties to test market demand.
  • Uber – Initially offered basic ride-hailing services in San Francisco before expanding.

What is an MLP (Minimum Lovable Product)?

An MLP takes the MVP concept a step further. Here the focus is not just on viability but also on creating an emotional connection with users. The goal is to launch a product that users love and want to engage with from the start.

Key Characteristics of an MLP:

• • Delivers a delightful experience – Even with minimal features, the product should feel polished and engaging.
  • Prioritises user emotion – The focus is on making users love the product, not just use it.
  • Encourages advocacy – A lovable product turns early adopters into brand ambassadors.
  • Balances functionality and design – Offers essential features but with a well-designed, user-friendly experience.

Examples of MLPs:

• • Apple’s First iPhone – Launched with fewer features than competitors but with an unmatched user experience.
  • Slack – Built with a focus on smooth communication and an enjoyable interface.
  • Notion – Gained traction by offering a beautifully designed, user-friendly productivity tool.

MVP vs. MLP: Key Differences

Feature	MVP (Minimum Viable Product)	MLP (Minimum Lovable Product)
Goal	Validate ideas & gather feedback	Create an emotional connection with users
Focus	Functionality & learning	Usability & delight
Time to Market	Faster, leaner development	Takes slightly longer for polish & UX
User Adoption	May attract early adopters but not guarantee retention	Higher chances of user retention & advocacy
Risk	Users may find the product too basic	Requires more effort in design & experience

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose MVP if:

• • You need to test an idea with minimal investment.
  • Your goal is rapid iteration and learning.
  • You’re unsure if the market truly needs your solution.
  • You have limited resources and need to prove viability first.

Choose MLP if:

• • You’re entering a competitive market and need differentiation.
  • Your product’s success depends on user delight and engagement.
  • You’re focused on long-term user retention from the start.
  • You have the time and resources to refine the experience pre-launch.

The Ideal Approach: MVP → MLP

Instead of choosing one over the other, a hybrid approach works best. Start with an MVP to test the market, then iterate into an MLP to enhance user experience and brand loyalty.

Step 1: Build an MVP – Release a functional version with essential features.
Step 2: Gather Insights – Analyse user behavior and collect feedback.
Step 3: Evolve into an MLP – Improve usability, aesthetics, and engagement based on real data.

Final Thoughts: Viability vs. Lovability

Both MVP and MLP are valuable, but choosing the right approach depends on your market, goals, and user expectations. If you’re in a highly innovative or untested market, an MVP is the safest starting point. If you’re launching in a saturated industry, an MLP might give you a competitive edge.

Want to launch a product that’s both viable and lovable? Let’s build it together. Get in touch with us today! Let’s brainstorm together.