The traditional Minimal Viable Product (MVP) approach might not work as effectively in complex ecosystem contexts like digital health. An insightful HBR article highlights how successful firms are flipping the script:

🌟 Instead of rushing to prototypes, they prioritize deep observational research—interviewing patients, observing clinics, and mapping the landscape. This approach helps pinpoint unmet needs and ensures product-market fit before building.

Take “Stardoc,” which avoided prototypes initially, sitting in waiting rooms and understanding patients’ trepidation firsthand. Contrast this with “Nudge,” which launched a prototype quickly but missed the mark on user engagement and ecosystem readiness.

💡 The key takeaway? Winning in digital health requires:

1️⃣ Deep discovery upfront: Interview, observe, and immerse yourself in the problem.

2️⃣ Going all-in on alpha customers: Build trust and robust solutions by investing deeply with early adopters.

3️⃣ Embracing the pivot: Use ecosystem complexity to repurpose investments and adapt when initial efforts don’t pan out.

This nuanced approach combines the rigor of IDEO-style customer discovery with the iterative principles of Lean Startup, creating a balanced path for innovation in healthcare.

What do you think? Are prototypes losing their edge in complex ecosystems like healthcare?

#DigitalHealth #Innovation #Startups #LeanStartup #MVP #CustomerExperience #DesignThinking #Prototyping #HealthcareInnovation #HBRInsights