M43 Lesson 4 Notes: Testing a Value Proposition

Return and Report 

Class Activity: 

1. Report back on customer interviews. 

   1. What did they learn? 

   2. Does it change any of their thoughts about their idea?  

Section 1: What is a Minimal Viable Product 

Class Discussion:  Explain what a minimal viable product is. Share examples of companies who used MVPs:

• Zappos

• Microsoft 

• Global Services 

• Dropbox

Section 2: Best Practices of Customer Discovery 

Class Discussion: Teach about the best practices of an MVP and their benefits:

• Cheap

• Quick to Build

• Requires customers to take an action 

Class Activity: Class discusses possible MVPS for real-life startup ideas. 

Section 3: Preparing your Own MVP

Breakout Activity

1. Students separate in groups of 3

2. Have each student share their business idea 

3. Have all 3 students write down 3 potential MVPs for the business idea 

4. When everyone is done, each student shares their MVP ideas 

5. Repeat the process for every other student biz idea 

Homework: 

• Prepare an MVP by next class. Students will be presenting their MVP idea before building it.  

• Schedule a 1-on-1 mentor meeting