Minimum Lovable Product Template

An [MVP](/glossary/prioritization) proves that the product works and solves a real problem. An MLP proves that users will choose your product over alternatives because the experience is genuinely good. The MVP bar is "does it function?" The MLP bar is "do users love it?" In practice, the MLP includes everything in the MVP plus a delight layer (polished design, fast performance, thoughtful micro-interactions, smart defaults).

Typically 20-40% longer. The delight layer adds effort, but it should not double the timeline. The key is being surgical about which delight factors to include. Focus on the moments that matter most (first impression, core task, completion) and skip everything else. A well-scoped MLP can ship in 6-8 weeks for most products.

Absolutely. B2B buyers are also humans who prefer products that feel good to use. The delight factors differ (B2B users value speed, reliability, and reduced cognitive load more than visual delight), but the principle is the same. Linear beat Jira not because it had more features but because using it felt better.

Ship the MVP and track which users become power users. Then invest the delight layer in the areas those power users care about most. You do not need to build the entire delight layer at once. Even one well-executed delight factor (e.g., sub-200ms response times) can differentiate you from competitors.

Use the [RICE framework](/frameworks/rice-framework) adapted for delight: Reach (how many users experience this moment), Impact (how much does delight here affect retention/referral), Confidence (how sure are you this will delight users based on research), and Effort. Prioritize high-Reach, high-Impact moments with low-to-medium effort. ---