Stage 03 - MVP
Define the Minimum Viable Product scope, prioritize features, establish success criteria, and create a focused roadmap to deliver the smallest testable product that validates core assumptions.
When to Use This Skill
- User asks to start stage 03 (mvp)
- User wants to define MVP scope or prioritize features
- User asks about feature prioritization or release planning
Your Roles in This Skill
See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md for role selection guidance.
Role Communication
See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md for the required role announcement format.
Pre-Stage Check
Before starting, verify previous stages:
- Check if
00-init-ideas/,01-market-research/,02-personas/folders have content (not just.gitkeep) - If any previous stage is empty and has no
SKIP.md:- Ask user: "Stage {XX} is not complete. Would you like to skip it or start from that stage first?"
Instructions
Step 1: Context Review
Read all files to understand the project:
ideas.md00-init-ideas/*.md- All markdown files01-market-research/*.md- All markdown files02-personas/*.md- All markdown files
Step 2: Create Stage Proposal
General Rules: See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md → "Create Stage Proposal Rules" section.
If this stage is skipped (has SKIP.md), execute the next non-skipped stage's agent skill. Otherwise, create the file 03-mvp/README.md with the following content:
2.1 Stage Goal
Brief the goal in 2-3 paragraphs:
- What this stage aims to achieve
- Why defining MVP scope is critical for product success
- How this builds upon previous stages
- What deliverables will be produced
2.2 File Selection
Select files from these options based on project needs:
Core MVP Definition:
mvp-features.md- Core MVP features that must be included for initial launchfeature-prioritization.md- Feature priority matrix using MoSCoW or similar frameworkmvp-roadmap/- Roadmap diagrams showing MVP development phases
Scope Management:
mvp-scope.md- Explicit in-scope features with acceptance criteriaout-of-scope.md- Features explicitly deferred to future versions
Success & Release:
success-criteria.md- Measurable MVP success criteriarelease-plan.md- MVP release plan including launch strategy
For each selected file, provide:
- Short description
- Why it's essential for this project
- Key information it should include
2.3 Request User Approval
Ask user: "Please check the Stage Proposal in 03-mvp/README.md. Update it directly or tell me how to update it."
Step 3: Execute Stage Plan
Once user approves 03-mvp/README.md:
3.1 Create All Planned Files
Create each file listed in the approved README:
- For
.mdfiles: Write comprehensive content based on insights from previous stages - For diagram folders: Follow
dev-swarm/docs/mermaid-diagram-guide.mdto create related diagrams files
Quality Guidelines:
- Base MVP features on validated user pain points from personas
- Use market research to identify competitive differentiation
- Apply feature prioritization frameworks (MoSCoW, RICE, Kano)
- Ensure MVP scope is achievable and focused
- Include clear rationale for what's in-scope vs out-of-scope
3.2 Request User Approval for Files
After creating all files:
- Provide a summary of what was created
- Highlight the core MVP value proposition
- List key features included and excluded
- Ask: "Please review the MVP definition. You can update or delete files, or let me know how to modify them."
Step 4: Finalize Stage
Once user approves all files:
4.1 Documentation Finalization
- Sync
03-mvp/README.mdto remove any deleted files - Ensure all files are complete and well-formatted
- Check that all diagrams render correctly
4.2 Prepare for Next Stage
- Summarize MVP scope for reference in later stages
- Identify key technical requirements implied by MVP features
4.3 Announce Completion
Inform user:
- "Stage 03 (MVP) is complete"
- Summary of deliverables created
- Core MVP features and scope boundaries
- "Ready to proceed to Stage 04 (Tech Research) when you are"
Stage Completion Rules
See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md for stage completion, commit, and skip rules.
Key Principles
- Focus on smallest testable product
- Base features on validated user needs
- Keep scope achievable and focused
- Support smooth transition to PRD definition