Too often, companies rush to get an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to market, only to learn too late that they’ve built the wrong thing. This false economy of speed over insight can be a costly mistake.
The key is to incorporate user research throughout the entire lifecycle, from the definition to the design phase. By aligning your MVP with real user mental models and gathering feedback on prototypes early and often, you can increase the likelihood of success and reduce the risk of building the wrong product.
The bottom line is that skipping research during the design phase is a false economy. The desire to “just build something” quickly often backfires, leading to costly rework and frustrated users. Embracing mixed-methods user research upfront is the key to designing an MVP that resonates with your target audience and sets the stage for long-term success.
