1. What “Ready” Actually Means

MVP readiness is not about perfection-it’s about meeting the minimum criteria to deliver core value reliably.

A feature or product is “ready” when:

1. All essential functions work as intended.
   
2. Requirements and acceptance criteria are fully met.
   
3. Documentation and handover materials are complete.
   
4. The product can be tested and used by real users without critical issues.
   

Key Insight: Ready ≠ perfect; it means usable, testable, and aligned with core goals.

2. Checking for Coherence

Before handover, ensure everything fits together logically:

1. Verify that features align with the core value of the MVP.
   
2. Ensure user flows are consistent, with no dead ends or confusion.
   
3. Check that dependencies and integrations are functioning correctly.
   

Rule: Coherence prevents wasted testing and ensures users experience a smooth, logical flow.

3. Testing Functionality Before Handover

Test features thoroughly before handing them off to QA or users:

1. Perform functional tests to ensure each feature works as intended.
   
2. Check for edge cases or unusual behaviors.
   
3. Document known issues and limitations to avoid surprises during user testing.
   

Tip: Early testing prevents delays and reduces rework during validation.

4. Validating a Feature with Users

User validation ensures the MVP actually delivers value:

1. Select a small group of real or representative users.
   
2. Observe them interacting with the feature – don’t just ask questions.
   
3. Gather feedback on usability, clarity, and usefulness.
   
4. Use feedback to prioritize fixes or improvements for the next iteration.
   

Rule: Validation is about learning, not defending your design.

5. Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria are clear conditions that define when a feature is complete and usable:

1. Specific, measurable, and verifiable outcomes.
   
2. Include functional, UX, and performance expectations.
   
3. Shared and agreed upon by PM, designers, and developers.
   

Example:

1. ✅ Feature: “User can reset password via email.”
   

Acceptance Criteria:

1. User receives reset link within 2 minutes.
2. Link expires after 24 hours.
3. Password is updated securely in the database.

Key Insight: Acceptance criteria are the definition of done for MVP features.