In the fast-paced world of startups, building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is one of the smartest and leanest ways to test, validate, and refine your product idea. But with so many types of MVPs available, how do you choose the right one?
In this 2025 updated guide, we break down 12 types of MVPs from simple landing pages to concierge and wizard-based models along with real-world examples, cost/time estimates, and when to use them.
What Is a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)?
An MVP is a simplified version of a product that includes just enough features to satisfy early users and collect valuable feedback for further development. It allows startups to enter the market faster, save resources, and build based on real demand.
12 Types of MVPs for Product Development (2025)
1. Landing Page MVP
- A simple web page showcasing your product concept
- Encourages visitors to sign up or express interest
- Measures market demand through page visits and conversion rate
2. Email MVP
- Send personalized emails describing your product
- Track open rates, click-throughs, and replies
- Quick to launch and cost-effective for validation
3. Fake Door MVP
- Add a “Buy Now” or “Join” button on a site without a real product
- If clicked, redirect users to a “Coming Soon” page
- Great for gauging real user interest without development
4. Demo Video MVP
- A short promotional video that explains your idea
- Used to raise interest, funding, or user sign-ups
- Ideal for storytelling and showcasing vision
5. MVP Design Prototype
- Create wireframes or interactive mockups (Figma, Adobe XD)
- Test UX flows and core interactions with real users
- Offers fast feedback without development
6. Crowdfunding / Pre-Order MVP
- Publish a campaign on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, etc.
- Raise funds and measure product-market fit
- Also builds a loyal early user base
7. Single Feature MVP
- Build and test only one core feature of your product
- Helps focus development and validate your value proposition
- Scales as user needs evolve
8. Minimum Lovable Product (MLP)
- Focuses on delighting early users, not just functionality
- Builds emotional connection and advocacy
- Prioritizes experience alongside viability
9. High-Fidelity Interactive Prototype
- Almost indistinguishable from the final product
- Interactive and testable version of your app
- Used for usability testing and investor demos
10. Concierge MVP
- Deliver your service manually (e.g., personalized meal plans via phone/email)
- Allows for deep user interaction and learning
- Ideal before building expensive automation
11. Wizard of Oz MVP
- Users think the system is automated, but it’s human-powered behind the scenes
- Looks complete, but operations are handled manually
- Useful for UX testing before backend development
12. Piecemeal MVP
- Combine existing tools (e.g., Shopify + PayPal + Google Sheets)
- Build a working solution without writing code
- Speeds up go-to-market while minimizing cost
How to Choose the Right MVP
- For fast, affordable testing: Landing Page, Email MVP, Fake Door
- For user interaction & UX feedback: Prototype, MLP, High-Fidelity Mockup
- For funding & proof of traction: Crowdfunding, Demo Video
- For real service validation: Concierge, Wizard of Oz, Piecemeal MVP
Final Thought
Building the right MVP helps startups test ideas, save money, and gain feedback faster. Understanding the spectrum from low-fidelity to high-fidelity MVPs empowers founders to choose what fits their stage, market, and resources.
Looking to build your MVP with expert support?
Let’s talk with UwayTechnology for a free consultation.
Aug 02, 2025
