What does the term “minimum viable product” refer to in D4D?

The term “minimum viable product” (MVP) is crucial in the Design for Delight (D4D) framework. It refers to the simplest version of a product that can be released to start getting user feedback. The aim of an MVP is to test key hypotheses about the market and the user's needs with the least amount of resources and time invested. By focusing on the core functionalities that address the primary problem or need, teams can quickly gather insights and iterate based on real user experiences.

This approach emphasizes the importance of learning from the users as early as possible in the development process, which aligns with the principles of D4D promoting innovation and responsiveness to feedback. The feedback acquired from the MVP can inform subsequent iterations and enhancements of the product, ensuring that the development is user-centered and adaptable to actual needs.

In contrast, the options that involve the most advanced version or the final product indicate a stage much further along in the development process. These stages do not allow for the ongoing feedback and iterative refinement that is foundational to the concept of an MVP. Similarly, a prototype needing approval from stakeholders does not encapsulate the MVP's purpose of engaging directly with users to validate concepts.