Product Management
When Alan Cooper introduced personas back in the 90s, they were groundbreaking. They gave teams a shared language to understand their users.
But that was before:
Massive behavioral datasets
Real-time user segmentation
AI-powered pattern recognition
Dynamic feedback loops
Today, personas don’t capture reality, they capture our fondness for simpler times.
... See moreRule of thumb: Learning about a customer and their problems works better as a quick and casual chat than a long, formal meeting.
Rob Fitzpatrick • The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you
Product managers bring the business context—they help teams ensure that the products they are building are viable for the business. They ensure that the business that supports the product will survive over time, allowing the team to further satisfy customers’ needs. Designers bring visual, interactive, and systems-design chops that help to ensure
... See moreTeresa Torres • Continuous Discovery Habits: Discover Products that Create Customer Value and Business Value
Product demo(s) grounded in product's key messages
Martina Lauchengco • Loved: How to Rethink Marketing for Tech Products (Silicon Valley Product Group)
I’ve worked in tech long enough to know when a product isn’t designed for delight, but for addiction, long enough to be suspicious of anything that feels ‘‘too fun to quit’’, and long enough to develop a strong belief that ethical tech doesn't exploit humans, it enhances their life.
The Mom Test: Talk about their life instead of your idea Ask about specifics in the past instead of generics or opinions about the future Talk less and listen more