/ˈɛmˈviːˈpiː ˈmɪnɪməm ˈvaɪəbl ˈpærədɒks/
Definition
A strategic contradiction in which a product must be both “minimal” and “ready for enterprise clients” at the same time. The MVP exists in a constant state of tension between “fast to market” and “please don’t ship this yet.”
Common Manifestations
- Contains every feature except the one that proves the concept.
- Requires a full design system, marketing plan, and compliance audit before “quick validation.”
- Described by executives as “just a prototype,” by engineers as “a production deployment,” and by customers as “a beta forever.”
- Rebranded as “Phase One” once it’s too big to cancel.
Usage Example
“We were supposed to build a landing page—now it’s a platform. Classic Minimum Viable Paradox.”
HR Guidance
Remember: the MVP is not about delivering value; it’s about delivering something that can be described as valuable in a meeting. To reduce paradox exposure, schedule weekly recalibrations of “viable,” “minimal,” and “done.”