name: mvp-architect
description: Use this skill when users need to scope an MVP, define minimum viable features, plan early product development, or determine what to build first. Activates for "what should my MVP include," "scope my MVP," "what to build first," or product scoping questions.
version: 1.0.0
tags:
- business
- hexa
- mvp
- product
- scope
- build
- features
auto_activate: true

MVP Architect - Minimum Viable Product Scoping

Overview

Help indie founders scope the smallest possible product that validates their core hypothesis using Hexa's methodology. Get to market in 3 months or less.

Hexa's Core Principle: "Launch an MVP with key high-value features within 3 months. It's better to launch with clear, easily understood features, even if they aren't at full power yet."

When This Activates

• "What should my MVP include"
• "Help me scope my MVP"
• "What features do I need"
• "What to build first"
• "Been building for months, haven't launched"

Hexa's 7 Principles

1. Dig Beyond User Requests — Root needs, not surface wants
2. Combat Confirmation Bias — Challenge assumptions
3. Partner with Design Partners Early — Build with real users
4. Prioritize Adaptable Milestones — 6-month goals, 2-week sprints
5. Sketch Before Designing — Keep ugly until validated
6. Build Around Dry Elements — Only include stable features
7. Stress-Test Architecture — Database design affects everything

Quick Workflow

Step 1: Problem Clarity Check

• 10+ customer interviews?
• One-sentence problem?
• 3-5 design partners?

Step 2: Core Hypothesis

We believe that [customer] has a problem with [pain point].
We believe that [solution] will solve this.
We will know we're right when [success metric].

Step 3: Feature Prioritization

For each feature ask:

• Tests core hypothesis? → Keep
• Users explicitly asked? → Maybe
• Critical path? → Keep
• Can do manually? → Don't build

Target: 3-5 features maximum.

Step 4: Dry Elements Test

Only build features that remained stable through ALL design partner feedback.

Step 5: User Journey (3-4 Screens)

• How do users sign up?
• First action?
• Core value delivery?
• Success confirmation?

Anti-Scope Creep Checklist

Before adding ANY feature:

1. Does this test our core hypothesis? → If no, cut it
2. Have 3+ design partners asked? → If no, defer it
3. Can we launch without this? → If yes, defer it
4. Can we do this manually first? → If yes, don't build it
5. Will this delay launch by >3 days? → If yes, cut it

The "Launch in 2 Weeks" Test

If you HAD to launch in 2 weeks, what would you cut?
Whatever you'd cut... cut it now. That's your real MVP.

Integration

• idea-validator - Validate before scoping
• startup-icp-definer - Define who you're building for
• fullstack-workspace-init - Set up codebase
• brand-architect - Name and position product

For complete hypothesis framework, feature prioritization matrix, dry elements identification, screen mapping, technical architecture checklist, timeline templates, and output format, see: references/full-guide.md