Simple, Lovable, Complete: The Framework for Building Products People Actually Want
"The Minimum Viable Product is dead. Long live Simple, Lovable, Complete."
For years, the startup world has been obsessed with the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The idea was sound: build the smallest possible thing to test if people want it.
But over time, "Minimum" and "Viable" became excuses for minimum crap. Founders were launching half-baked features that frustrated users, damaged brand trust, and provided zero value.
Enter: Simple, Lovable, Complete (SLC)
The SLC framework—popularized by Jason Cohen (founder of WP Engine)—offers a better way. Instead of focusing on what's "viable," focus on what's "lovable."
- S
Simple
Don't try to build the next Facebook on Day 1. Pick one problem and solve it. Complexity is the enemy of launch speed.
- L
Lovable
Polish matters. The user experience should be delightful. If users don't love it, they won't stick around to see the rest of your vision.
- C
Complete
Solve the problem fully. Don't leave out the "save" button because it's an MVP. A tool that only does 80% of what's needed is useless.
Why SLC Wins Over MVP
An MVP is often something a user tolerates. An SLC is something a user advocates for.
When you build an SLC, you're not just testing a hypothesis; you're building a brand. You're creating an emotional connection with your early adopters that turns them into raving fans.
How IdeaLabs Helps You Achieve SLC
The biggest risk in building an SLC is picking the wrong problem to solve simply and lovably. That's where IdeaLabs comes in.
Instead of building and then searching for customers, IdeaLabs lets you see what people are already willing to pay for.
Ready to build your SLC?
Stop guessing. Start with validated demand.
Conclusion
Don't build an MVP. Build an SLC. Pick a specific problem, solve it completely, and make it simple and lovable. Your users (and your bank account) will thank you.