458: Selecting, planning, and prototyping product features – with Matt Genovese
Oct 9, 2023
auto_awesome
Matt Genovese, Founder and CEO at Planorama Design, discusses tips for selecting, planning, and prototyping product features. He highlights the challenges in hardware and software development and emphasizes starting small and using prototypes for validation. They also explore the pitfalls of an engineering-driven organization, the importance of user experience design, and the role of product managers in advocating for the right product and user experience. The chapter also touches on AI tools for product feature planning.
In software product development, starting small and mitigating risk through quick prototyping can help validate features without building a complete application.
Product managers should prioritize flexibility and future scopes while considering the impact on the overall architecture and administration of a feature.
Deep dives
Selecting, planning, and prototyping product features
When it comes to selecting product features, product managers often face challenges in determining which features will create the most value for customers. In hardware, feature selection is typically planned out well in advance due to longer development cycles. However, in software, the iterative and agile nature allows for learning as the product evolves. Starting small and validating features can be a helpful approach, even without building a complete application. Prototyping or scripting quick solutions can provide insights into whether a feature addresses the customer's problem effectively. It is important to prioritize flexibility and future scopes while considering the impact on the overall architecture and administration of the feature.
The role of optimization and flexibility
Optimization and flexibility are vital aspects to consider when developing products. Optimization is often an activity that occurs after the initial release, allowing for improvements based on user feedback and performance evaluation. Flexibility, on the other hand, should be planned and designed from the start to avoid future constraints. Balancing optimization with flexibility is crucial, as optimization requires effort and may hinder immediate flexibility. By focusing on getting the product in the hands of users first and gathering feedback, product managers can prioritize optimization efforts where it adds the most value for both users and the business. Finding the right balance is essential for product success.
Incorporating AI for product feature planning
AI tools can assist product managers in brainstorming and generating ideas for product features. AI language models provide valuable support in considering various user types and potential features during the planning process. These AI tools can help product managers explore different paths, gather ideas for customer interviews, and create user stories. However, AI should not replace the critical thinking and validation that product managers bring to the table. AI acts as a helpful sidekick, providing additional insights and possibilities. Companies like Planorama Design have utilized AI to develop tools like the User Story Generator, which aids in generating user stories and Symphony, a tool for defining and collaborating around product scope.
The importance of getting a product out the door
The quote 'Perfect is the enemy of good' highlights the importance of getting a product out to customers rather than striving for perfection. While engineers and designers may aim for perfection, it is essential to focus on solving customer problems and delivering value. Embracing the concept of minimum viable experiments can help product managers understand if a feature or solution resonates with users before investing significant resources. Iterative development allows for continuous learning and improvement based on user feedback. By prioritizing simplicity and getting a product in users' hands, product managers can gather real-world insights that drive future enhancements.
Product feature validation and iteration – for product managers Today we are talking about tips for selecting, planning, and prototyping product features. To help us, our guest is Matt Genovese. He is the Founder and CEO at Planorama Design. He has in-depth experience marketing products, addressing product requirements, research, UX design, and management. He spent […]
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode