Tech Dictionary

MLP (Minimum Lovable Product)

A version of a product that includes just enough features to not only meet the core needs of early users but also to delight them, fostering strong emotional engagement and early adoption.

Metaphor

An MLP is like a well-crafted first date—it’s not just about getting the basics right, but about creating a memorable and enjoyable experience that makes the other person want to see you again.

Examples

A startup releases a fitness app with a sleek design and a few core features that users love, such as personalized workout plans and motivational push notifications, making users feel excited and motivated to continue using the app.

Why It Matters

Focusing on creating an MLP ensures that the product not only functions but also resonates with users on an emotional level, increasing the likelihood of user retention, word-of-mouth marketing, and long-term success.

Business Impact

An MLP can generate early traction and build a loyal user base by offering a product that users love from the start, leading to stronger brand advocacy, higher customer satisfaction, and better feedback for future development.

When It's Useful
  • Use Case 1: Launching a new product with limited resources but aiming to make a strong impression on early adopters by focusing on key features that delight users.  
  • Use Case 2: Pivoting from an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to an MLP by enhancing core features based on user feedback to create a more engaging and enjoyable experience.
  • Use Case 3: Competing in a crowded market where differentiating through user experience and emotional connection can provide a significant competitive advantage.
Best Practices

Identify the core features that will most resonate with users and focus on delivering those exceptionally well; gather and incorporate user feedback early and often; ensure that the product is not only functional but also offers a polished and delightful experience; prioritize design, usability, and emotional engagement in the product development process.

Common Pitfalls

Overloading the product with features that dilute the user experience; focusing too much on functionality without considering user delight; failing to test the product with real users to understand what they truly love about it.

Key Metrics

User retention rate, net promoter score (NPS), customer satisfaction, user engagement, referral rate.

Tools and Technologies

User testing platforms, customer feedback tools, product analytics tools, design and prototyping tools.

Term's Application and Relevance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does an MLP differ from an MVP?
While an MVP focuses on delivering the minimum functionality needed to validate a product idea, an MLP adds an extra layer of polish and emotional appeal, ensuring that users not only find the product useful but also enjoyable and engaging.
Why should startups focus on building an MLP?
Startups should focus on building an MLP to create a strong emotional connection with early users, which can lead to higher retention rates, positive word-of-mouth, and valuable feedback for future development.
How do you identify the features that should be included in an MLP?
Features for an MLP should be identified by understanding the core needs and desires of the target users, gathering user feedback, and prioritizing features that will have the greatest impact on user satisfaction and delight.
Can an MLP evolve into a full-featured product?
Yes, an MLP is often the foundation for a full-featured product, with additional features and improvements added over time based on user feedback and evolving needs.
Tech jargon for non-techs

Related terms

Repository

A storage location where code, documents, and other files are stored and managed, typically using a version control system like Git.

Refactoring

The process of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior, aimed at improving the code’s structure, readability, and maintainability.

MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

A basic version of a product that includes only the essential features needed to validate the product idea and gather user feedback.
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