Mobile App MVP: What Features to Include in the First Release

An MVP includes a minimal set of features that allows the product to fulfill its core purpose. Essential functionality should cover primary user actions, basic navigation, data processing, and key integrations.

Core features form the foundation of the product, while additional capabilities enhance the user experience or expand use cases. Clear distinctions help the team stay focused on priorities and avoid unplanned expenses.

How to choose features for the first release

Defining MVP features starts with analyzing user scenarios. These scenarios show how users interact with the product and where problems or pain points occur. This process helps identify the features that will truly meet user needs and deliver value. 

To correctly prioritize features, the Kano model is used. It helps evaluate how different aspects of the product affect user satisfaction and classifies them into:

⚪️ Must-be — without them, users will be dissatisfied even if all other features are implemented.

⚪️ Performance — the better these features are implemented, the higher the user satisfaction.

⚪️ Delighters — unexpected features that pleasantly surprise users and boost loyalty and overall experience.

The Kano model allows for phased product development: must-be and performance features are implemented first, while additional delight features can be added in later releases. The model also helps identify which features might cause user frustration if not implemented properly.

This analysis provides insights into how changes in functionality affect the long-term user experience. Well-executed must-be features don’t necessarily increase satisfaction, but even small delight features can strengthen user loyalty.

The process of selecting features should be complemented by data analysis, user surveys, and market research. Using this set of tools helps uncover what users expect from the product and how to stand out from competitors.

Let’s look at some examples of core MVP features for different types of apps:

E-commerce

⚪️ Registration and login

⚪️ Product catalog with search and filters

⚪️ Shopping cart and checkout

⚪️ Payment

⚪️ Order status tracking

FinTech

⚪️ Authorization and verification

⚪️ Balance overview

⚪️ Transaction history

⚪️ Funds transfer

Booking service

⚪️ Search and filter available options

⚪️ Booking

⚪️ View and manage reservations

⚪️ Notifications about reservation status

An MVP is the starting point for product development, allowing you to test ideas with real users without unnecessary risks or costs. A version with a minimal set of features already handles core tasks while laying the foundation for further improvement and scaling.

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