How to scope an MVP in 5 days — the 0km framework
Most startup founders drastically over-scope their MVPs. In an effort to launch a "perfect" product that impresses investors and users immediately, they spend 6 to 9 months building complex features that ultimately no one uses. This leads to burned runway and missed opportunities.
At Startup 0km, we've formalized a 5-day framework that cuts through the noise, paring down your grandiose vision into a lean, mean, production-ready machine that you can ship in just 6 weeks.
Day 1: Define the Core Value Proposition
You need to be able to answer this question in exactly one sentence: What is the single, non-negotiable problem this software solves?
If you are building an Uber clone, the core value proposition is not "a beautiful map interface with live car animations." It is "connecting a rider to a driver." Everything else is secondary.
Day 2: The "Must-Have" vs. "Nice-to-Have" Audit
List out every single feature you have in your head. Now, be brutal. Move features into two buckets. A feature only stays in the "Must-Have" bucket if the product literally cannot function without it. A chat feature, a referral system, dark mode, social logins—these are all nice-to-haves. Keep it lean.
Day 3: User Flow Mapping
Map the journey of a user from landing on the app to experiencing the core value proposition. At 0km, we use FigJam to chart every click and screen. If a user flow takes more than 4 screens to achieve the value prop, we redesign the flow until it's simpler.
"Complexity is the enemy of execution. If it takes more than 4 screens to show your value, you've over-complicated your MVP."
Day 4: Technical Feasibility Check
Can the remaining "Must-Have" features be built realistically in 6 weeks? If a feature relies on a complex ML model that hasn't been tested, swap it for a simpler manual process or a third-party API.
Day 5: The Build Contract
Lock the scope. This is the hardest part. Once Day 5 concludes, no new features are allowed to be added to the backlog until after launch. Focus 100% of your energy on execution, polishing only what's absolutely necessary.