What is feature creep and how to avoid it

Managing feature creep and delivering a minimum lovable product (MLP) quickly is crucial for product managers to ensure successful product launches. Feature creep, also known as scope creep, occurs when additional features extend beyond the necessary scope, leading to increased costs, missed deadlines, and potentially convoluting the product's core value. Common causes include misunderstanding the problem, attempting to cater to everyone, and poor execution planning. Effective management involves informed prioritization, clear communication of scope, precise technical estimations, and the ability to decline non-essential features. These strategies help maintain focus on delivering a product that addresses key customer problems without unnecessary delays. The emphasis is on learning from user feedback post-launch to guide further iterations, in line with Reid Hoffman's philosophy that launching a product is a learning process rather than a pursuit of perfection.