---
type: method
slug: mvp-scoping
title: "Scope a minimum viable product (MVP)"
category: "Product Development"
subcategory: "Definition & specs"
level: starter
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/mvp-scoping
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- You have an idea and limited time or money.

## Prompt

# 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.

## Evidence you can attach
- E-Commerce Share of US Retail: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/us-ecommerce-share (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/us-ecommerce-share.md)
- Six-Economy Macro Baseline: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/global-macro-baseline (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/global-macro-baseline.md)

---
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