Mastering Core Elements of Product Management: Understanding the Product
Master your product
This is the third article in the series, ‘Mastering the Core Principles of Product Management’. To learn more about the essence of product management, check out the following articles:
After understanding the user's needs, the Product Manager (PM) builds a product that solves the user's needs.
A PM doesn’t need to be technical to build a successful product. However, it’s essential to understand the following aspects of building a successful outcome:
How the product works.
Product usage (metrics and analytics)
Working with the technical team (engineers and designers)
1. How the Product Works
The heart of effective product management lies in comprehending the inner workings of the product. You don't need to be a technical wizard to collaborate with stakeholders and pave the path to a successful product. What's essential, however, is grasping the intricate mechanics of the product. Here are some key strategies to achieve this:
Become a Power User: Immerse yourself in the product as a user. Rigorously test and engage with it from the perspective of your target audience. This immersion allows you to uncover the hidden corners and recognize the essential building blocks required for product development.
Observe Users: Acquire insights directly by observing users in action or delve into product data to understand how users interact with the product. User behaviour is an invaluable source of information.
Study Similar Products: Broaden your perspective by examining comparable products in the market. This exploration offers a deeper understanding of alternative solutions that users are embracing and what your competitors are up to.
2. Product Usage (Metrics and Analytics)
Product analytics are your guiding stars in the journey of product development. By harnessing these metrics and analytics, you can relinquish the need to rely solely on instincts when improving your product. During the nascent stages of development, it's imperative to establish a robust product analytics strategy. Note that we will delve deeper into this strategy in a separate article.
3. Working with Engineers and Designers
Collaborating seamlessly with the technical experts, engineers, and designers, is a linchpin in the product development process. These professionals are the architects of your vision, responsible for transforming ideas into reality. Here are some strategies to ensure a harmonious working relationship:
Work as a Team: Avoid relegating engineers and designers to mere cogs in the machine. Engage them from the initial definition of the problem to the development of the solution. Cultivate a team ethos where everyone's input is valued.
Consistently Ask for Feedback: The engineers and designers are the builders of your product. They possess a profound understanding of where improvements are needed in the design and code. Regularly seek their insights to refine the product continually.
Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of product management, understanding the product, leveraging product usage data, and effectively collaborating with the technical team are the pillars of success. As a Product Manager, mastering these core elements is the compass that will guide you in understanding and building a successful product.