It’s a Great Metaphor, But It’s Still Not an MVP
That skateboard-to-car graphic isn't an MVP. It's a delivery roadmap. MVPs are for learning: the smallest test to validate riskiest assumptions. In complex orgs, call things correctly: MVP for learning, POC for feasibility, V1 for shipping. Clarity prevents waste and misaligned bets. Validate first.
Why the “skateboard-to-car” image keeps confusing product teams and how we can do better
Every few months, that now-famous image resurfaces. The one that shows a “product evolution” from:
skateboard → scooter → bicycle → motorcycle → car
It spreads quickly. It’s easy to explain. It feels like a smart way to show progress.
And to be fair, it has value:
- It shows how user experience can improve over time
- It promotes incremental delivery
- It’s visual and easy for stakeholders to get behind
But here’s the catch:
It’s not an MVP. And confusing it as such can quietly derail your product process, especially in complex environments.