A startup team is launching a new mobile app aimed at improving mental health. They have a diverse team with backgrounds in psychology, technology, and marketing. However, they are struggling with engagement levels as team members often work remotely and have differing visions for the app. Considering the boundary conditions of the lean startup methodology, which strategy would best enhance their chances of success?

The best strategy is to build a minimal viable product (MVP) that is built, tested, and refined in short cycles while keeping the whole team focused on a single, measurable goal. Start by creating a shared product vision board that captures the core problem, target users, and success metrics, and then use rapid prototyping to produce a basic version of the app that addresses the most critical user need. After each sprint, hold a quick retrospective and customer interview to gather validated learning, which lets the team decide whether to persevere or pivot based on real data. By aligning on the MVP’s purpose, using transparent metrics, and holding regular remote check‑ins, the psychology, tech, and marketing members can stay coordinated and adjust their vision together. For example, the team might release a simple mood‑tracking screen, measure engagement, and then decide whether to add a community feature or focus on personalized insights.