# Mvp Scoping

> Define the smallest product that tests the riskiest assumption. Use when MVP, minimum viable, what's the smallest version, cut scope, or phase 1.

- Skill: `uwayxt/mvp-scoping` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add uwayxt/mvp-scoping`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/uwayxt/mvp-scoping/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: Uwayxt (https://skillmd.com/u/uwayxt)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/uwayxt/mvp-scoping

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# MVP Scoping

**An MVP is not a half-built product. It's the smallest thing that tests your riskiest assumption. If you can't name the assumption, you can't scope the MVP.**

### 1. Name the riskiest assumption
Identify what must be true for this product to work from the discovery brief or product strategy. That is exactly what the MVP tests.

### 2. List every feature
Pull the full feature list from the product strategy output or the user's brief.

### 3. Classify ruthlessly
Sort into three buckets: (a) Must-have: directly tests the core assumption, (b) Should-have: improves the test but not essential, (c) Out: everything else, with an explicit reason for each cut.

### 4. Draw the MVP boundary
The boundary is a line, not a gradient. Everything inside ships together. Everything outside waits.

### 5. Define the exit criterion
Specify what result from the MVP tells you to proceed, pivot, or kill.

### Completion Criteria
Done when the scope strictly isolates the riskiest assumption with clear exit criteria.

### Output Format
MVP Scope Document detailing the assumption being tested, an in/out feature table, and exit criteria.

### Anti-patterns
- "MVP" that includes 80% of the full product.
- Scope creep disguised as "just one more thing".
- MVPs that don't test anything — they're just v1.