#9 Defining the Platform MVP
How to breakdown the platform to identify & build a MVP - with Practical Tips and Examples
When it comes to building a technology platform, defining the Platform Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a crucial step in delivering core value to your target users while allowing for validation and iterative development. While defining MVPs for consumer products is often talked about, identifying MVP for a platform is a far less popular topic.
Defining a platform Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and defining a consumer application MVP have some similarities, but there are key differences due to the nature of the products and their intended use cases. Here are some ways in which they differ:
Scope and Complexity
Ecosystem Considerations
Interoperability and Integration
Governance and Moderation
Network Effects and Scaling
A platform typically consists of various capabilities, and each capability can have multiple features. In this article, we will delve into the process of defining the Platform MVP with practical tips and provide an example of a technology platform.
Identify the Core Value Proposition
Begin by identifying the core value proposition that your technology platform offers. Understand the problem your platform solves and the specific value it provides to its users and stakeholders. This understanding will guide you in defining the essential capabilities and features for the initial version of the platform.
Tip: Conduct market research and engage with potential users to gather insights into their pain points, needs, and desired outcomes. This will help you validate your value proposition and align it with the market demand.
Example: Let's consider a technology platform for online learning that connects students with tutors. The core value proposition could be to provide personalized and interactive learning experiences for students by connecting them with qualified tutors in real-time.
Define Capabilities and Features
Once the core value proposition is established, identify the key capabilities that your platform should have to deliver that value. Break down each capability into specific features that enable the desired functionality and provide a seamless user experience.
Tip: Prioritize capabilities and features based on their importance in delivering the core value proposition and their feasibility within the MVP timeframe. See, what is the minimum capability that you need to deliver the core value proposition. Engage your team, stakeholders, and potential users in discussions to gather different perspectives and prioritize accordingly.
Example: Capability: User Matching and Scheduling
Feature 1: User profiles with information on expertise, availability, and teaching style.
Feature 2: Matching algorithm that pairs students with compatible tutors based on their preferences and availability.
Feature 3: Scheduling functionality that allows students to book sessions with tutors.
Capability: Interactive Virtual Classroom
Feature 1: Real-time audio and video communication for seamless tutoring sessions.
Feature 2: Interactive whiteboard or shared screen for collaborative problem-solving.
Feature 3: File sharing capability for sharing study materials and resources.
Focus on User Experience
In defining the Platform MVP, prioritize delivering a great user experience. While your platform may not be consumer facing and may be powering other applications, work with these teams to ensure a great user experience, functionally & visually. Aim for simplicity, ease of use, and seamless interactions.
Tip: Conduct user research, create user personas, and develop user journey maps to gain a deep understanding of your target users' preferences and pain points. Incorporate user feedback through usability testing and iterate on the design to optimize the user experience.
Example: In the online learning platform, the user interface should be designed to allow students to easily browse tutor profiles, view availability, book sessions, and engage in interactive virtual classrooms. Clear navigation, intuitive controls, and well-organized content will enhance the user experience.
Start with Scalability in Mind
While building the Platform MVP, consider scalability to accommodate future growth and feature expansion. Design the platform architecture to handle increasing user traffic, data storage, and evolving requirements without significant rework. Platforms are usually built by large companies with a proven demand for the product and who need operational leverage by building platforms, hence starting with scalability in mind is fine.
Tip: Adopt a scalable infrastructure, leverage cloud services, and design a modular architecture that allows for easy integration of new capabilities and features as the platform evolves.
Example: The online learning platform should be built with scalability in mind, utilizing scalable cloud infrastructure to handle growing user traffic and storage requirements. The architecture should allow for seamless integration of additional features, such as gamification elements or advanced analytics, as the platform expands.
Iterate Based on Feedback
The Platform MVP is a starting point, and it's crucial to gather feedback from users and stakeholders to drive iterative development. Actively seek user feedback, analyze usage data, and monitor key metrics to identify areas for improvement and guide future iterations.
Tip: Implement feedback mechanisms within the platform, conduct surveys or interviews, and leverage analytics tools to gather insights on user behavior and engagement. Use these insights to prioritize enhancements, address pain points, and deliver an improved user experience.
Example: The online learning platform can gather feedback from students and tutors regarding their experience using the platform. Feedback on the user matching process, virtual classroom interactions, and overall satisfaction can inform future iterations and enhancements.
In conclusion, defining the Platform MVP for a technology platform requires a thoughtful approach. By identifying the core value proposition, defining capabilities and features, focusing on user experience, considering scalability, and iterating based on feedback, you can build a solid foundation for a successful platform. Remember, the Platform MVP is a starting point for continuous improvement and growth, as you refine your platform's capabilities and deliver increasing value to your users.