The Role of User Research in Product Management

Product managers must actively engage in user research to maintain a clear understanding of customer needs. It's essential for them to conduct some level of research themselves instead of entirely relying on dedicated user researchers. While dedicated researchers can facilitate in-depth studies and identify emerging trends, product managers should regularly interact with customers to gather firsthand insights. This direct engagement helps prevent the disconnect between product development and actual customer experiences, ensuring that product strategies are aligned with user expectations.