Correctly define a software project: goals, risks and a resilient MVP
By Kevin Kröger, Geschäftsführer, Software und Plattformbetrieb
An MVP is the smallest complete solution to a testable assumption, not a large application with half-finished features. Define the target group, problem, success signal, necessary process and conscious non-goals before technical planning.
Which assumption should be tested?
Formulate who has which problem and which behavior proves a benefit. A feature list with no measurable assumption quickly leads to a small but directionless product.
What belongs in the first process?
Build a continuous path from entry to outcome. Rights, error handling, data export and basic security are not later extras. Convenience functions and rare exceptions, on the other hand, can deliberately wait.
How does the scope remain controllable?
Every new idea is checked against its goal and success signal. A visible non-goals document helps more than an increasingly long wish list. Short, operational interim results show early on whether understanding and implementation fit together.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many features does an MVP need?
- As many as necessary for a complete, verifiable user journey. The number alone is not a meaningful criterion.
- Can an MVP have technical debt?
- Deliberate shortcuts are possible. However, critical security, data integrity and a realistic further development path must not be missing.