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[[Minimum Viable Agent]] or '''MVA''' is a streamlined, initial version of an [[Artificial Intelligence|AI]] agent designed to solve a single, specific problem with minimal features while delivering significant value to users. Inspired by the concepts of [[Minimum Viable Product]] (MVP) and Minimum Viable Service, the MVA approach emphasizes simplicity, rapid development, and real-world testing over complex, feature-heavy designs. The goal is to create an agent functional enough to gather feedback, demonstrate utility, and evolve based on user needs—without the pitfalls of over-engineering or scope creep.
[[Minimum Viable Agent]] or '''MVA''' is a streamlined, initial version of an [[AI agent]] designed to solve a single, specific problem with minimal features while delivering significant value to users. Inspired by the concepts of [[Minimum Viable Product]] (MVP) and Minimum Viable Service, the MVA approach emphasizes simplicity, rapid development, and real-world testing over complex, feature-heavy designs. The goal is to create an agent functional enough to gather feedback, demonstrate utility, and evolve based on user needs—without the pitfalls of over-engineering or scope creep.


The term gained traction in [[AI development]] communities as a practical way to build and deploy AI agents efficiently, especially in a fast-moving field where perfectionism can stall progress. Unlike fully polished AI systems, an MVA focuses on delivering a "10x improvement" over existing solutions in a narrow domain, even if it lacks the sophistication of more mature tools.
The term gained traction in [[AI development]] communities as a practical way to build and deploy AI agents efficiently, especially in a fast-moving field where perfectionism can stall progress. Unlike fully polished AI systems, an MVA focuses on delivering a "10x improvement" over existing solutions in a narrow domain, even if it lacks the sophistication of more mature tools.


== Concept and Development ==
==Concept and Development==
 
The MVA philosophy is rooted in [[iterative design]]: start small, test quickly, and improve continuously. It’s a response to the tendency in AI projects to overcomplicate agents with unnecessary capabilities before validating their core usefulness. By narrowing the scope to one high-value task—such as answering customer FAQs, analyzing financial data, or screening resumes—an MVA avoids the resource drain of building a do-it-all system from the outset.
The MVA philosophy is rooted in [[iterative design]]: start small, test quickly, and improve continuously. It’s a response to the tendency in AI projects to overcomplicate agents with unnecessary capabilities before validating their core usefulness. By narrowing the scope to one high-value task—such as answering customer FAQs, analyzing financial data, or screening resumes—an MVA avoids the resource drain of building a do-it-all system from the outset.


The development process typically involves these key steps:
The development process typically involves these key steps:
# **Identify a Specific Problem**: The agent should address a clear, pressing need rather than a vague "nice-to-have." This requires understanding user pain points through direct conversations and observation.
#'''Identify a Specific Problem''': The agent should address a clear, pressing need rather than a vague "nice-to-have." This requires understanding user pain points through direct conversations and observation.
# **Simplify the Design**: Include only essential features to get the job done. For example, a customer support bot might focus solely on interpreting basic queries and retrieving pre-written answers, escalating complex issues to humans.
#'''Simplify the Design''': Include only essential features to get the job done. For example, a customer support bot might focus solely on interpreting basic queries and retrieving pre-written answers, escalating complex issues to humans.
# **Build a Prototype**: Leverage existing tools—like the [[OpenAI API]], [[LangChain]], or [[LangGraph]]—to create a working version quickly, often in days rather than months. The emphasis is on functionality over perfection.
#'''Build a Prototype''': Leverage existing tools—like the [[OpenAI API]], [[LangChain]], or [[LangGraph]]—to create a working version quickly, often in days rather than months. The emphasis is on functionality over perfection.
# **Test with Real Users**: Deploy the agent in a limited setting (e.g., a small team or select customers) and monitor its performance. Key metrics include accuracy, user engagement, and failure points.
#'''Test with Real Users''': Deploy the agent in a limited setting (e.g., a small team or select customers) and monitor its performance. Key metrics include accuracy, user engagement, and failure points.
# **Iterate Based on Feedback**: Use insights from testing to refine the agent—improving responses, integrating with systems like [[Customer Relationship Management|CRMs]], or addressing unexpected edge cases—while avoiding endless tweaking.
#'''Iterate Based on Feedback''': Use insights from testing to refine the agent—improving responses, integrating with systems like [[Customer Relationship Management|CRMs]], or addressing unexpected edge cases—while avoiding endless tweaking.
# **Plan for Monetization**: Once validated, explore revenue models like subscriptions, pay-per-use, or freemium tiers, ensuring the agent’s value justifies its cost.
#'''Plan for Monetization''': Once validated, explore revenue models like subscriptions, pay-per-use, or freemium tiers, ensuring the agent’s value justifies its cost.


== Practical Examples ==
== Practical Examples ==
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==Advantages and Limitations==
==Advantages and Limitations==
===Advantages===
===Advantages===
  * **Reduced Development Time**: A lean design speeds up deployment.
*'''Reduced Development Time''': A lean design speeds up deployment.
  * **Lower Initial Investment**: Minimal features cut resource costs.
*'''Lower Initial Investment''': Minimal features cut resource costs.
  * **User-Centric Refinement**: Early feedback shapes a better agent.
*'''User-Centric Refinement''': Early feedback shapes a better agent.


===Limitations===
===Limitations===
  * **Limited Initial Functionality**: May not meet all expectations at first.
*'''Limited Initial Functionality''': May not meet all expectations at first.
  * **Balancing Simplicity and Utility**: Too basic risks irrelevance; too complex defeats the purpose.
*'''Balancing Simplicity and Utility''': Too basic risks irrelevance; too complex defeats the purpose.
  * **Dependency on Iteration**: Stagnation occurs without updates.
*'''Dependency on Iteration''': Stagnation occurs without updates.


==Business Potential==
==Business Potential==