Hello Founders,
I want you to take a moment and think about your product. What is the one thing it does that provides real, genuine value to your users? Now, often in the early stages of a startup, we focus on developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This approach generally leads us to strip down our product to its bare essentials in an effort to get it out the door as quickly as possible. However, the MVP mindset tends to be more about reducing effort rather than maximizing value. I want to introduce you to a slightly different approach: focusing on the ‘Minimum Effective Dose’, or simply the MED.
The concept of the MED originates from medicine, referring to the smallest dose that will produce a desired outcome. In the world of product development, the MED is the simplest version of your product that still solves a problem for your customers and provides them with real value. The key here is to cut out all the product fat and break it into phases – the nice-to-haves, the features that only a handful of users will utilize – and distill your product down to its essence.
Let’s consider the most common pitfalls many of us fall into. We often assume that more features equate to more value. But in reality, we risk ending up with a complex, confusing product that tries to do too much and achieves too little. Users don’t want to spend time figuring out an overly complex product, they want something that works and solves their problem(s).
So, how do we find the MED? We’ll delve deeply into this with real examples in our upcoming posts, but let me give you a high-level overview for now
Identify the Problem: Start by defining who is it for, and why is it essential? Then, focus on deeply understanding the problem or the job to be done your user is facing. Your product’s primary function should be directly related to this problem or need.
Define the Core Function(s): Based on the problem, what is the simplest solution your product can offer? This should be your product’s core function, its MED.
Remove the Excess: Review your planned or existing features. Do they directly support your core function? If not, they might be product fat that you can afford to trim.
Remember, your primary goal at this early stage isn’t to build a perfect product; it’s to build a functional one that brings value. An MVP that demonstrates your product’s potential can help you get valuable user feedback, attract early adopters, and even lure investors. Your initial focus should be on the crucial question – “What is the smallest thing I can build that will bring the most user value?”
As you move forward, you’ll likely face challenges in sticking to the MED principle. But take heart – every extra feature you think you ‘need’ to include is an opportunity to stop, reassess, and ensure that you’re staying focused on delivering real value. And trust me, your users – and your team – will thank you for it.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves, cut out the product fat, and start creating impactful products that users love.