Reducing Product Risk and Removing the MVP Mindset: Do More of What Already Works

Reducing Product Risk and Removing the MVP Mindset: Do More of What Already Works

When it comes to de-risking projects and ensuring product success, it's crucial to tailor our approach to the type of customer we're building for. Initial releases will never have everything teams want, but by continuously iterating, we can address this issue. The key is to provide value to users as soon as possible, even if it means releasing features incrementally.

One important thing to keep in mind is that users are not always reliable narrators of their own behaviors and preferences. While it's essential to engage with them and understand their problems, the solutions must be inferred by us as product thinkers. As Henry Ford famously said, "If I'd asked customers what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse." This highlights the importance of using our expertise to identify and solve problems effectively.

Cody's design quality framework emphasizes that the level of investment before reaching the customer depends on our understanding of the problem and the viability of the solution. This means that when building features, we can take a more lightweight approach, especially when working on top of an existing product. The primary goal of MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) and MVFs (Minimum Viable Features) is to prove that our ideas can solve a problem. Once this is proven, we can then invest more to fully realize the potential of the product or feature idea.

Releasing regularly also helps us de-risk our vision from a technical standpoint. By incrementally releasing updates, we can observe how our product scales or breaks and address any issues as they arise. This approach allows us to make improvements gradually rather than facing all the challenges at once.

Now, let's shift our focus to a different aspect of product development: doing more of what already works. We often underestimate the power of mastering the fundamentals. While it may not seem exciting, it's the foundation for success in any endeavor. No matter what task you're working on, there's a simple checklist of steps that you've known about for years, and practicing them consistently can yield immediate results.

It's important to note that just because a solution is known doesn't mean it is utilized. Similarly, just because a solution is implemented occasionally doesn't mean it is implemented consistently. We need to prioritize mastering the fundamentals and ensuring that we apply them consistently. Progress often hides behind seemingly boring solutions and underused insights.

When it comes to improving our products or processes, we don't always need more information or a better strategy. Instead, we should focus on doing more of what already works. By doubling down on the fundamentals and consistently applying them, we can achieve significant improvements.

To put these ideas into action, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Emphasize continuous iteration: Instead of waiting for the perfect product or feature, release updates regularly to provide value to users as soon as possible. This approach allows you to de-risk your vision technically and make gradual improvements based on user feedback.

• 2. Invest in understanding the problem: Engage with users regularly to gain insights into their problems, but remember that the solutions need to be inferred by you as the product thinker. Don't rely solely on customer input; use your expertise to identify and solve problems effectively.

• 3. Master the fundamentals: Don't underestimate the power of mastering the basics. Identify the fundamental steps or checklist that apply to your task or project and commit to practicing them consistently. Doing more of what already works can lead to significant improvements.

In conclusion, reducing product risk and removing the MVP mindset requires a tailored approach to different customer types. By iterating continuously, investing in understanding the problem, and doing more of what already works, we can de-risk our projects and achieve success. Remember, progress often hides behind seemingly boring solutions, so prioritize mastering the fundamentals and apply them consistently.