How to Write MVP Requirements (Template)

Bad requirements lead to wrong products. Here's a simple format that works for MVPs without drowning in documentation.

The MVP Requirements Template

1. Problem Statement (2-3 sentences)

Who has this problem? What are they doing today? Why does it suck?

2. Solution Overview (1 paragraph)

What does your product do? How does it solve the problem differently?

3. User Types

List each user type and what they need to do. Most MVPs have 1-2 user types max.

4. Core User Flow

Step-by-step, what does a user do from signup to getting value? This is your MVP scope.

5. Features List (Prioritized)

• •Must Have: Without these, the product doesn't work
• •Should Have: Important but can launch without
• •Nice to Have: Future features, not MVP

6. Non-Functional Requirements

Performance expectations, security needs, platforms to support.

What to Include

• •User stories in simple language
• •Acceptance criteria (how you'll know it works)
• •Wireframes or sketches (rough is fine)
• •Priority for each feature
• •Any integrations needed

What to Skip

• •Technical implementation details (let developers decide)
• •Pixel-perfect designs (iterate after launch)
• •Features for "later" (keep focus tight)
• •Long narrative documents nobody reads