Module 3 of 10 12 min
Creating a Product
Start small: build the simplest version that solves the problem.
Course lessons
Step 1
The lesson
Key term
Minimum viable product (MVP)
The simplest version of your product that actually solves the problem for real customers — so you can learn whether it works before investing a lot.
Many founders spend months perfecting something before anyone uses it. A better approach is a loop: build something small, put it in front of real customers, measure what happens, and learn what to change. Then repeat.
- A service can start with you doing it by hand.
- A physical product can start as a handmade prototype.
- An app can start as a simple form, a spreadsheet, or a group chat.
The strongest early signal is someone paying — or pre-ordering. Compliments are nice; money is proof.
Step 2
See it
Build a small version, put it in front of real customers, measure what they actually do, and learn what to change. Then start the loop again.
Build small
The simplest useful version
Test with real customers
Not just friends being nice
Measure
What do they actually do?
Learn & adjust
Then loop again
Step 3
Real-world example
Marcus's first five pairs
Instead of buying expensive equipment, Marcus spends $40 on brushes, cleaner, and towels and cleans five pairs for friends — free, in exchange for honest feedback and before-and-after photos.
- Learned: people cared more about getting shoes back in 24 hours than about perfection.
- Learned: laces were the hardest part — he adds replacement laces as an option.
- Next test: he offers the service for $10 to ten classmates. Seven say yes and pay.
For $40 and two weekends, Marcus learned what customers value and got real paying customers. That's an MVP doing its job.
Step 4
Knowledge check
Answer each question, then check your answer to see the explanation. Retake it as many times as you like.
Question 1 of 3
Step 5
Summary
Build the smallest version that solves the problem, test it with real customers, measure what they do, and adjust. Paying customers are the strongest signal. Starting small never means skipping safety or rules.
Step 6
What you should remember
- MVP = the simplest version that solves the problem.
- Build → test → measure → learn → repeat.
- Money is proof; compliments aren't.
- Small doesn't mean skipping safety or rules.
Finished the lesson?
Mark it complete to track your progress.