We’ve all heard the term MVP — Minimum Viable Product. It promises speed, efficiency, and quick validation. But somewhere along the way, “viable” turned into “barely working,” and we forgot that real value isn’t just about getting to market fast but creating something people actually love.
Users today have more choices than ever. Delivering a half-baked feature set or clunky design might get you data, but it rarely builds loyalty. Instead, we should aim to create Minimum Lovable Products (MLPs) — products that are small, focused, but crafted with enough care to spark real excitement.
What Makes a Product "Lovable"?
A lovable product doesn’t need endless features. It
needs a clear promise, delivered exceptionally well.
Whether it’s a beautiful onboarding experience, a
delightful micro-interaction, or a moment of unexpected
kindness in your UX — these details turn users into
fans.
The shift from MVP to MLP is about mindset: from “What’s
the least we can do to validate?” to “What’s the
smallest thing we can make that people will genuinely
enjoy?”
How to Build an MLP
Here are a few principles I’ve learned when guiding
teams beyond MVPs:
Focus sharply. Do one thing incredibly well rather
than many things poorly.
Invest in moments of delight. Small touches — an
unexpected animation or a kind message — create
emotional connection.
Involve users early. Find the smallest group of
passionate early adopters and co-create with
them.
Moving from Viable to Valuable
Shipping quickly still matters — but speed alone isn’t
enough. By aiming for "lovable," we build products that
don’t just survive the market but actually thrive. In
the end, the goal isn’t to make something that simply
works; it’s to make something that matters.
Let’s raise the bar together. From MVPs that merely
function to MLPs that people talk about, recommend, and
remember.
