Feature scoping for a first release

Day 5 of 30 · Generative AI 2026: Build AI Apps and Agents

One-liner: Define the smallest sellable feature set.
Time: 20 to 30 min
Deliverable: MVP Scope List

Learning goal

You will be able to: Create a clear MVP scope that aligns with the product promise.

Success criteria (observable)

The scope list includes must have and later items.
Each must have maps to the promise outcome.
The scope fits a first release.

Output you will produce

Deliverable: MVP Scope List
Format: Two column list
Where saved: Course folder under /generative-ai-2026-build-ai-apps-and-agents/

Who

Primary persona: Digital nomad defining MVP scope Secondary persona(s): Early users and buyers Stakeholders (optional): Collaborators

What

What it is

A short must have list that proves the promise in a first release. It keeps the build focused on the outcome users pay for.

What it is not

It is not a full roadmap or an ideal future product.

2-minute theory

Scope should prove the promise fast, not cover every edge case.
Later features can wait until after real feedback arrives.
A smaller MVP reduces time and cost to learn.

Key terms

MVP: Minimum viable product that users can pay for.
Must have: Features required to deliver the promise.

Where

Applies in

Product planning
Build sequencing

Does not apply in

Infrastructure optimization

Touchpoints

Backlog
Roadmap
Sprint planning

When

Use it when

You have a clear promise and JTBD
You must choose what to build first

Frequency

Once per product idea, revisit after user feedback

Late signals

You keep adding features before launch
The MVP is larger than one month of work

Why it matters

Practical benefits

Faster launch
Clearer priorities
Easier validation

Risks of ignoring

Late delivery
Feature creep

Expectations

Improves: focus and speed
Does not guarantee: traction

How

Step-by-step method

List all candidate features.
Mark the ones required to deliver the promise.
Move the rest to later.
Check if the must have list is small enough to launch.

Do and don't

Tie each must have to a user outcome
Keep the list short

Don't

Add features to cover all future cases
Include nice to have items in MVP

Common mistakes and fixes

Mistake: MVP is too big. Fix: Remove features not tied to the promise.
Mistake: Missing key user step. Fix: Add only the critical step.

Done when

Must have list has 3 to 6 items.
Each item maps to the promise.
Later list is longer than the must have list.

Guided exercise (10 to 15 min)

Inputs

Your product promise
A list of possible features

Steps

Highlight features that prove the promise.
Move all others to later.
Check the count and reduce if needed.

Output format

Field	Value
Must have
Later
Promise mapping
Launch risk

Pro tip: If a feature does not change the outcome, it is not MVP.

Independent exercise (5 to 10 min)

Task

Remove one feature from the must have list and justify the decision.

Output

Updated MVP scope list with one sentence rationale.

Self-check (yes/no)

Does each must have map to the promise?
Is the list small enough to ship soon?
Are later items clearly separated?
Is there a rationale for the scope size?

Baseline metric (recommended)

Score: 3 of 4 checks met
Date: 2026-02-06
Tool used: Notes app

Bibliography (sources used)

The Lean Startup. Eric Ries. 2024-01-01. Read: https://theleanstartup.com/
Inspired. Marty Cagan. 2024-01-01. Read: https://www.siliconvalley-product.com/inspired-how-to-create-tech-products-customers-love/