Our journey from MVP to MLP: A Cyces Product Manager writes

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Tech product development is filled with terms that guide our strategies and operations. One term that stood out is the 'Minimum Viable Product' (MVP) – a product with just enough features to make it functional.

While the MVP concept resonated with many, a transformative idea was brewing in the background: the 'Minimum Lovable Product' or MLP. This wasn't just a novel term but a game-changer in the product development landscape. Brian de Haaff, the co-founder and CEO of Aha!, was instrumental in introducing the world to this concept back in 2013. In his seminal 2016 book, "Lovability," de Haaff expanded on this notion, emphasizing that cultivating customer happiness through an MLP isn't just desirable – it's fundamental for sustained business growth.

At Cyces, we've taken this to heart. Embracing the MLP philosophy signifies our shift from a purely product-centric approach to one deeply rooted in user-centricity. In this blog, I’ll talk about our  journey from MVP to MLP, explaining why and how we've integrated 'lovability' as our core product tenet.

At Cyces, our foundational years were significantly influenced by the MVP philosophy. For a long time, this approach was the cornerstone of our product development, and here's a glimpse into how we embraced it:

When we first ventured into the tech industry, like many startups, we were navigating unknown territories with limited resources. MVP became our guiding principle, ensuring that our initial offerings were viable and relevant without overextending our capacities.

One of the biggest advantages we found with the MVP model was the ability to iteratively improve our products. Every MVP launch was followed by a feedback-driven refinement phase. This cycle of launch-feedback-improve ensured our products were continually aligned with market needs.

In the early stages, MVPs helped us establish trust with our users. By delivering functional products that addressed core user needs, and then consistently iterating based on feedback, we showcased our commitment to user satisfaction.

The MVP approach allowed us to stay agile. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, MVPs enabled us to quickly adapt to market trends, launch products that catered to emerging needs, and pivot when necessary.

Over the years, many of our MVPs transitioned into full-fledged products with expanded feature sets. These MVPs laid the groundwork for what would become some of Cyces' flagship offerings.

Yet, as time progressed and as our understanding of our user base deepened, a realization dawned upon us. While MVPs ensured functionality and viability, there was a deeper layer of user experience that remained untapped. We began questioning: What if our products didn’t just ‘work’ but evoked emotions? What if users didn’t just ‘like’ our products but ‘loved’ them?

It was this line of thinking that paved the way for our exploration beyond MVPs, leading us toward the concept of the Minimum Lovable Product (MLP).

While the MVP model served as our reliable guide through Cyces' formative years, our constant interactions with users illuminated a gap. We realized that in the rush to achieve functionality, the emotional resonance, an element that transforms a good product into a great one, was often overlooked. Enter the concept of the 'Minimum Lovable Product' (MLP).

At its core, an MLP doesn’t just ask if a product works – it asks if it’s cherished. It's about designing experiences that not only meet basic needs but also evoke positive emotions, ensuring users feel a deeper connection with the product.

An MLP aims to provide delightful experiences right from the first interaction. It takes into consideration factors like intuitive design, aesthetics, and even the joy of discovery, ensuring every touchpoint is memorable.

Users of an MLP aren’t just customers; they often become enthusiastic brand ambassadors. Their affinity for the product prompts organic recommendations, boosting word-of-mouth marketing, which is invaluable in today’s saturated markets.

Transitioning from the MVP to MLP wasn't merely about adopting a new terminology; it was about embracing a holistic shift in how we approached product development. At Cyces, we've always been driven by innovation, and the MLP philosophy presented an avenue to redefine and refine our methods. Here's a deep dive into our approach:

Traditional user research often revolves around understanding basic needs and pain points. However, crafting an MLP demands a deeper dive. We expanded our research to understand not just what users want, but also how they feel. By exploring their emotions, aspirations, and experiences, we were able to design products that catered to both their functional and emotional needs.

Just like with MVPs, iteration remains key in the MLP model. But the focus of our refinements evolved. Instead of solely enhancing functionalities, we began to iterate based on emotional feedback, asking questions like: "How does our product make users feel?" and "What emotional gaps can we address in the next version?"

A product's design and aesthetics are no longer afterthoughts; they are central to the MLP approach. Our design team works tirelessly to ensure that each product is not just functional, but also a joy to use, with an intuitive interface, pleasing visuals, and a smooth user journey.

A lovable product isn't just about the product itself, but also the story it tells. We recognized the power of narratives in shaping user perceptions and connections. Hence, our branding strategies began to focus on weaving compelling stories around our products, ensuring that users are not just purchasing a tool but becoming a part of a larger narrative.

Brian de Haaff's revolutionary concept wasn't just about adding a few delightful features. It was about rethinking the product development paradigm. In "Lovability," he emphasizes the profound business impact of creating products that users don't just need, but genuinely love.

For us at Cyces, this realization was transformative. We began to introspect. Our journey from MVP to MLP began, steering us towards a future where our products wouldn't just be used but deeply loved.