How to Prioritize Features for an MVP Without Losing Focus on Lovability

Ever launched an MVP that worked technically—but left users indifferent?

It’s a common scenario. You nail the core functionality, but something’s missing.

It doesn’t feel “right.”

Getting functionality right is one thing; making it lovable is another challenge entirely.

Prioritizing MVP features often turns into a battle between speed and perfection. But here’s the truth: your MVP needs more than just features—it needs to spark a connection.

Functionality gets users started, but lovability keeps them coming back. It’s the difference between ‘useful’ and ‘can’t-live-without-it’.

This is where your MVP moves from adequate to adored.

This brings us to a critical question: how do you balance functionality with the kind of experience that leaves users coming back?

The Dilemma: Functionality vs. Lovability

Building an MVP is like walking a tightrope. On one side, there’s the drive to get something functional out the door as fast as possible. On the other, there’s the need to make it enjoyable and engaging for users.

Often, teams focus on features that work but neglect how those features feel.

This results in an MVP that gets the job done but doesn’t excite.

Think of early apps that were purely functional but had clunky interfaces or confusing user flows. Users moved on quickly, even if the product solved their problem. Why? Because the experience didn’t feel right.

Your MVP needs to solve a problem and make people love using it. That means prioritizing features carefully, without losing focus on the emotional experience.

That’s where lovability comes in—adding those little touches that make users say, “I like this!”

Step-by-Step Framework for Feature Prioritization

1. Define Your Core Value

Start by asking: What’s the Minimum Viable Problem you want to solve? This is your North Star.

Feature creep dilutes impact. Throw away any extra bells and whistles. Every addition should amplify your Minimum Viable Problem, not distract from it.

Keep it simple and laser-focused on your North Star.

Example: When Dropbox launched, it focused solely on one thing: seamless file storage and syncing. They’ve kept it to seamless storage and syncing—no clutter, no frills—just a smooth, reliable experience. That simplicity let users instantly understand its value, fostering early trust.

Actionable Tip: Before adding a feature, ask yourself, Does this enhance the core value? If not, it’s likely a distraction.

2. Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves (Using MoSCoW)

Use the MoSCoW method to categorize features:

• Must-Haves: Critical for the MVP to function. Without these, the product won’t deliver its core value.

• Should-Haves: Important, but not essential. These can wait for version 2.

• Could-Haves: Nice additions that can enhance the experience but are not urgent.

• Won’t-Haves: Features that your MVP won’t include but could be part of future iterations.

Actionable Tip: Stick to the must-haves for the MVP. Think about what users need right now to solve their problem, not what might look good six months from now.

3. Start Small, Iterate Fast

The best MVPs don’t try to be everything at once. They start with a minimal set of lovable features and evolve based on user feedback.

Once you’ve nailed down your must-haves, launch and gather feedback fast. Early users will help you shape what’s next.

Example: Instagram’s original MVP was simple—a photo-sharing app with filters. It didn’t have video, direct messaging, or stories. Those came later, after they had already captured users’ attention with something simple and lovable.

Actionable Tip: Release the first version with just enough features to create a great experience. Use real-world feedback to guide the next steps.

How to Keep Your MVP Lovable

In the rush to launch, don’t lose sight of delight. A little touch of magic can make even the earliest version stand out.

Here’s how to make sure your MVP is both functional and lovable.

1. Solve One Critical Pain Point—Beautifully

Every MVP should focus on solving one pain point in a way that’s not just effective but elegant.

Users don’t need all the answers at once—they need the solution to their most pressing issue. Make this part of the product experience exceptional.

Example: Airbnb’s original MVP allowed users to simply book a room. There was no payment system, no reviews, and no extra features. But it nailed the core experience of finding a unique place to stay—something people loved.

Actionable Tip: Identify one area of the product where you can go above and beyond. This could be a streamlined interface, a well-designed user flow, or even just a delightful, simple design.

2. Prioritize User Empathy Early

Don’t wait until you’re ready to launch to gather user feedback.

From day one, integrate user testing and feedback loops into your process. This ensures you’re not just building a functional product, but one that resonates with how users think and feel.

Example: Buffer, the social media scheduling tool, built its MVP with a simple landing page asking users if they would pay for the service. This feedback allowed them to shape the product around what users wanted most.

Actionable Tip: Create low-fidelity prototypes or landing pages to test your assumptions early. Let users tell you what they need before you invest heavily in development.

3. Add One Delightful Touch

Even in an MVP, small elements of delight can go a long way. Whether it’s a smooth animation, a personalized message, or a seamless onboarding experience, little details can turn a functional product into one people enjoy using.

Example: Slack added simple but delightful features to its MVP, like playful loading messages and intuitive design choices. These small touches made it feel more personal and enjoyable, which contributed to its massive early growth.

Actionable Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of small surprises. What’s one thing you can add that makes users smile or feel taken care of?

Conclusion: Don’t Sacrifice Lovability for Speed

In the end, building an MVP isn’t just about speed—it’s about building a foundation for lasting loyalty. Yes, speed matters, but so does depth.

Make it functional, but also make it memorable.

So, what’s one small touch you could add today to make your MVP unforgettable?