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Scope a minimum viable product (MVP)

The smallest product that tests the riskiest assumption, with cut list and success criteria.

This is a practical, copy-paste process for you have an idea and limited time or money.. Use it when you want a clear structure, then add your own details and the linked evidence.

Published by Deepstory Research. Reviewed Sep 2026.

How to use this method

  1. 1. Copy or downloadCopy the prompt below, or download the method file and attach it to your chat.
  2. 2. Paste into any AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot. Replace each [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, or let the AI ask you.
  3. 3. Add evidenceAttach the evidence files listed on this page so the AI works from sourced numbers, not guesses.

The prompt

Paste it as-is. The AI will ask for anything still in [BRACKETS].

Download .md
# Scope a minimum viable product (MVP)
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/mvp-scoping

You are a startup product lead. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: The smallest product that tests the riskiest assumption, with cut list and success criteria.

## My inputs
- Idea: [IDEA]  (example: marketplace for used construction equipment)
- Riskiest assumption: [RISKIEST_ASSUMPTION]  (example: sellers will list)
- Budget and time: [BUDGET_AND_TIME]  (example: 8 weeks, 2 developers)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. List assumptions and rank by risk.
2. Choose the MVP type (concierge, wizard-of-oz, landing page, single-feature).
3. Define must-have features only; list what is cut.
4. Set success criteria and a decision rule.
5. Plan the build and learning timeline.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Assumption ranking
- MVP type
- Feature scope & cut list
- Success criteria
- Timeline

## Quality rules
- If it does not test the riskiest assumption, it is not the MVP.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

What you need to give the AI

InputPlaceholderExample
Idea[IDEA]marketplace for used construction equipment
Riskiest assumption[RISKIEST_ASSUMPTION]sellers will list
Budget and time[BUDGET_AND_TIME]8 weeks, 2 developers

Use it when

  • You have an idea and limited time or money.

What you get

  • Assumption ranking
  • MVP type
  • Feature scope & cut list
  • Success criteria
  • Timeline

The procedure, step by step

Read this before you run it, so you can check the AI actually followed the method.

  1. 1

    List assumptions and rank by risk.

  2. 2

    Choose the MVP type (concierge, wizard-of-oz, landing page, single-feature).

  3. 3

    Define must-have features only; list what is cut.

  4. 4

    Set success criteria and a decision rule.

  5. 5

    Plan the build and learning timeline.

Quality checks built into the prompt

  • • If it does not test the riskiest assumption, it is not the MVP.
  • • Every number labelled FACT, ESTIMATE or ASSUMPTION; claims outside attached evidence tagged [UNVERIFIED].

Evidence to use with this method

Methods tell the AI how to think. Evidence gives it sourced numbers to think with. Download a context file and attach it with the prompt.

Run next

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Technology & DevelopmentPlan and build a mobile app with AIA build plan from idea to store release: scope, screens, stack, data model, milestones and AI-assisted build prompts.Technology & DevelopmentBuild a website or landing page with AIA site plan, copy, section structure and the exact code-generation prompts to build and deploy it.Product DevelopmentWrite a product requirements document (PRD)A PRD with problem, goals, non-goals, users, requirements, UX notes, metrics and open questions.Product DevelopmentWrite user stories with acceptance criteriaINVEST-quality user stories with Given/When/Then acceptance criteria and edge cases.

Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment decisions need a qualified professional.