The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a popular concept in the world of software development. It is an approach that emphasizes the need to create a basic version of a product that includes only the essential features required to solve a problem or meet a need. The idea behind an MVP is to quickly get a product in the hands of users, gather feedback, and use that feedback to improve subsequent versions of the product. However, deciding which features to include in an MVP can be a challenging task. This article will explore the hardness of deciding which features to provide in an MVP version of an application.

One of the main challenges when deciding which features to include in an MVP is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The features that are essential for one product may not be necessary for another. Therefore, it is important to have a clear understanding of the problem the product is trying to solve and the needs of the target audience. This requires conducting thorough market research, understanding user behavior and preferences, and identifying the pain points that the product aims to address. Without this information, it is difficult to make informed decisions about which features to include in the MVP.

Another challenge is that the development team may have differing opinions on which features to prioritize. It is not uncommon for team members to have different ideas about what should be included in the MVP based on their own experiences and perspectives. This can lead to debates and disagreements that can delay the development process. Therefore, it is important to have a clear decision-making process in place that takes into account the input of all team members, while still ensuring that the product meets the needs of the target audience.

One way to overcome these challenges is to use the Kano model. The Kano model is a tool that helps to identify which features will have the most significant impact on customer satisfaction. The model categorizes features into three categories: must-have, performance, and delighters. Must-have features are essential for the product to be considered functional, while performance features are those that increase customer satisfaction when they are present. Delighters are unexpected features that provide a pleasant surprise to customers. By using the Kano model, development teams can focus on must-have and performance features when creating an MVP, while leaving delighters for later versions.

In conclusion, deciding which features to include in an MVP version of an application is a challenging task. It requires a thorough understanding of the problem the product is trying to solve, the needs of the target audience, and a clear decision-making process that takes into account the input of all team members. The Kano model can be a useful tool to help identify the most critical features that should be included in an MVP. Ultimately, the success of an MVP depends on the ability of the development team to make informed decisions that balance the needs of the target audience with the resources available to them.