Test an idea before you build it in full. The value proposition canvas checks that the idea fits the customer. A minimum viable product (MVP) then tests it with real buyers. This post gives you the canvas, a test plan and the questions.
Learn these skills in the course Product Development (BD-PD), modules 2 and 3.
Who This Is For
Teams with a product idea and a small budget.
The Value Proposition Canvas
| Customer Side | Product Side |
|---|---|
| Jobs: what the customer tries to get done | Products and services: what you offer |
| Pains: what goes wrong or costs too much | Pain relievers: how you remove each pain |
| Gains: what the customer wants more of | Gain creators: how you add each gain |
The idea fits when each top pain has a reliever. Each top gain also needs a creator.
The One-Page MVP Test Plan
- The idea in one sentence.
- The one belief to test, for example “shops will pay RM40 for a refill”.
- The MVP: the smallest version that tests it.
- Who: ten customers of one type.
- Pass mark: for example, four of ten place an order.
- Date: two to four weeks from today.
The Feedback Questions to Ask
- What did you try to do with it?
- What was hard or slow?
- What would you change first?
- Would you pay for it at this price? Why?
- Who else in your company should see it?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Building the full product first.
- Asking friends instead of real buyers.
- No pass mark. Set it before the test starts.
Try It This Week
Fill in the customer side of the canvas for one idea. Use what customers said, not what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MVP?
A minimum viable product: the smallest version that real customers can use and pay for.
What is JTBD?
Jobs to be done: the job the customer hires the product for.
Next Step
Read the full outline of Product Development (BD-PD). Public classes: 10 and 11 February 2027; 14 and 15 April 2027. All dates are on the Training Calendar. For a group from your company, get a quote for in-house training. More Work Tips are in the skill area Product. Read also:
