MVP: Maximum Vision Possible
The MVP Concept Timing
MVP, also known as Minimum. Viable. Product. Three cringe-worthy buzzwords in Agile project delivery.
The issue is not the MVP concept itself, but the timing of when the term Minimum Viable Product starts to surface: usually towards the end of the project when under-delivery can no longer be denied. By then, it often feels like a last-minute justification for falling short of the original project goals.
Commit to an MVP at the start of the project, rather than slapping a fancy label onto a partially completed product nearing delivery. When introduced early, the MVP sets clear expectations and ensures that stakeholders are aligned on what will and won’t be delivered, preventing surprises later on.
Sprint Productivity
In theory, failing to deliver the sprint scope is not a big deal. The undelivered scope is simply reabsorbed into the product backlog for reprioritisation. However, without real consequences for underperformance, sprint productivity becomes a matter of the team’s capability and motivation.
If there are no consequences for missing sprint goals, teams may not feel the necessary pressure to deliver on time. This is where clear accountability mechanisms, such as regularly scheduled sprint reviews or retrospectives, come into play. These can provide the opportunity for constructive feedback and actionable improvements.
Or is it up to the Certified 'SpreadAgileJoy' Master to deliver motivational pep talks to a team of supposedly professional project practitioners? If we’re honest, motivating professionals should rely not solely on external cheerleading but on a culture of personal responsibility and a shared commitment to meeting agreed-upon goals.
Introducing the Minimum Viable Component
Every team member must bring their own drive and deliver their part. There should also be a clear agreement at the start of the project on the minimum immovable scope—the Minimum Viable Product—that must be delivered by the end of the project.
Taking this further, consider introducing an MVC: a Minimum Viable Component. This concept takes the MVP idea and applies it to individual sprints. By agreeing at the start of each sprint on the minimum immovable scope to be delivered by the end of that sprint, teams can focus on concrete, achievable goals that contribute to the overall project vision. The MVC ensures that each sprint is purposeful and measurable, helping teams stay on track and maintain focus throughout the project lifecycle.
Reflection Points
- Do your projects clearly define the MVP at the start, or is the term introduced as a fallback for under-delivery? Consider setting a firm definition from the start to avoid ambiguity and ensure alignment throughout the project.
- Could adopting the concept of a Minimum Viable Component improve focus and accountability during sprints in your Agile projects? Evaluate whether introducing the MVC concept could help focus on key components in each sprint and improve accountability.
- Is your team aligned on the importance of committing to immovable scope agreements, both at the project level (MVP) and sprint level (MVC)? Ensure everyone agrees on what is non-negotiable at the start of each phase to avoid scope creep.
