How PandaDoc Uses CI to Manage 800 Product Updates Per Month on Path To $100m+ ARR
Dec 12, 2023
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Explore the significance of continuous learning and iteration in the product's lifecycle, including challenges and implementation methods. Discover the process of continuous delivery, automation, and the importance of modular architecture. Learn about the use of feature flags and gradual rollout for product updates. Understand the significance of customer feedback and measurement in product development, including the role of a customer advisory board and analytical platforms.
Implementing continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) early on can streamline the learning cycle and improve product development practices.
Using feature flags and controlled rollouts ensures that product updates are tested and validated before reaching a broader audience.
Deep dives
Continuous Learning Cycle as Key to Product Lifecycle
In this podcast episode, Sergey Berzuk, co-founder of PandaDoc, discusses the importance of a continuous learning cycle in product development. He explains that product updates and iterations are crucial during the introduction and growth stages to achieve product-market fit and establish a leading position in the market. Berzuk emphasizes that the speed of the learning cycle depends on the slowest link, often between implementation and review stages. To overcome this, he introduces the concept of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), which allows for faster deployment and testing. By implementing CI/CD early on and embracing a modular architecture, companies can streamline the learning cycle and improve product development practices.
The Role of Feature Flags in Controlled Rollouts
Berzuk explains the significance of feature flags in managing controlled rollouts of product updates. Feature flags serve as toggles that control which customers can see specific updates. By using tools like Split.io to independently manage feature flags, product managers can gradually release updates to a limited subset of users to gather feedback and make data-driven decisions. Berzuk highlights the importance of recruiting early adopters through community boards and customer advisory boards, and he suggests following a lower-risk-to-high-risk rollout strategy. By leveraging feature flags and controlled rollouts, companies can ensure that product updates are tested and validated before reaching a broader audience.
The Importance of Measurement and Product Launches
Berzuk emphasizes the significance of measurement and product launches to complete the product development cycle. He discusses the use of analytics platforms like Amplitude for early-stage feature analysis and employing dashboards and Tableau for more mature features that impact revenue. Qualitative feedback through user communication is also stressed. Berzuk then introduces the concept of product launches, which allow for packaging dispersed features into a cohesive story. These launches involve creating blog posts, enabling sales and support teams, and ensuring a seamless customer experience. By effectively measuring and packaging product updates, companies can capitalize on their investments and improve customer satisfaction.