mvp-scoping

Skill: MVP Scoping

Use when scoping a minimum viable product. Identifies the smallest feature set that validates the core hypothesis, cuts everything else, and defines launch criteria.

Trigger

Invoke this skill when the user wants to scope an MVP, is planning a v1, or has a feature list that needs ruthless trimming.

Process

1. Identify the core hypothesis. What is the one thing this product must prove? Write it as: "We believe [user] will [action] because [reason]."

2. List all proposed features. Get everything on the table — the user's full wish list.

3. Apply the MVP filter. For each feature, ask: "Can we validate the core hypothesis without this?" If yes, cut it. No exceptions.

4. Categorise what remains:

   • Must have — Cannot launch without it. Directly validates the hypothesis.
   • Should have — Improves the experience but not required for validation.
   • Won't have (yet) — Everything else. Explicitly listed so nothing sneaks back in.

5. Define launch criteria. What specific outcome means the MVP succeeded?

   • Quantitative: "10 users complete the core flow in week 1"
   • Qualitative: "3 users say they would pay for this"

6. Estimate build time. The MVP should be buildable in 1-2 weeks by one person. If the estimate exceeds 2 weeks, scope is too large — cut more.

Output Template

# MVP Scope: [Product Name]

**Date:** [YYYY-MM-DD]
**Core Hypothesis:** We believe [user] will [action] because [reason].

## Must Have (Launch Blockers)
- [ ] [Feature 1] — [1-sentence justification]
- [ ] [Feature 2] — [1-sentence justification]

## Should Have (Week 2)
- [ ] [Feature 3]
- [ ] [Feature 4]

## Won't Have (Yet)
- [Feature 5] — Reason for cutting
- [Feature 6] — Reason for cutting

## Launch Criteria
- [ ] [Quantitative goal]
- [ ] [Qualitative goal]

## Build Estimate
- Must Have features: [X] days
- Target launch date: [YYYY-MM-DD]

Rules

• The "Must Have" list should contain 3-5 items maximum. If it has more than 5, the scope is too large.
• Auth, payments, and admin dashboards are almost never MVP features. Challenge any inclusion.
• If the user insists on keeping a cut feature, ask: "What will you cut instead to stay within 2 weeks?"
• Save the scope document to docs/mvp-scope.md.