How do you balance shipping an MVP with having a great user experience?

Define the non-negotiables that reflect your product’s core value and brand promise, then cut the rest.

At SlideShare and LinkedIn, I learned the importance of site speed, concise UI copy, and clean information design, and these became my baseline for MVPs at Zoom.

Even a minimal product should not feel half-baked or confusing. The key is to identify what’s essential to drive the intended user action. For example, a smooth signup or fast load time, and ensure these elements hit a quality bar. Then layer on advanced features later. Over time, these small bets add up, improving experience without slowing down momentum.

• Establish a short list of essential design principles for the MVP.

• Monitor user behavior metrics post-launch and iterate quickly.

• Keep a backlog of design items to release once you validate growth or user satisfaction improvements.