PRODUCT LEADERSHIP
Where to set the focus, in order to achieve outstanding Products which people actually love?
Navigating the delicate equilibrium between customer needs and business goals.
Product & Leadership Playbook
Play 5/196 — Inputs and Outcomes
What is the ultimate impact of the inputs and outcomes of a product on an individual and society as a whole?
A product can have a significant impact on both individuals and society as a whole. The inputs, for digital products, such as the specs, rules, and requirements used to create a product, which then can affect the environment and the economy. The outcomes, such as the functionality and design of a product, can impact individuals' daily lives and well-being. Additionally, the consequences of a product can also have broader implications for social and cultural systems, such as shaping consumer behavior and contributing to the development of new technologies. Ultimately, the impact of a digital product can be both positive and negative, and it is important to consider these factors when creating, consuming, and evaluating products.
The following Playbook intends to focus on the most important aspect of Input & Outcomes and how to properly define them.
“The products of modern science and technology, no less than the works of art, have become the chief means of communication among people and nations.” — -John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States
The quote by John F. Kennedy provides us insights, that the products of modern science and technology, such as smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices, have become just as important as works of art in terms of their ability to facilitate communication and connection among people and nations. Work of art also defines, that these products have become a means of communication that is as powerful and impactful as traditional forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, and literature. It means that technology and science advancements have created a new way for people to connect and communicate with each other, regardless of their location or background, and this has a great impact on how we interact with the world and the way we live.
So how can Product Managers impact the new generation of modern art?
Product Inputs:
Product Specification: A product specification is a document that outlines the technical details and requirements of a product. It typically includes information such as product dimensions, materials, performance characteristics, safety requirements, and any other relevant details that are necessary for the product to function as intended. A product specification is used as a blueprint for the product development and manufacturing process, and it serves as a reference for quality control and testing. It also helps to ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of the customer. Product specifications are commonly used in engineering, manufacturing, and other technical industries, but they can also be used for consumer goods and services. They can be written in a form of a technical drawing, a list of requirements or a combination of both.
Product Requirements: A product requirement is a statement that defines a specific feature or characteristic that a product must have in order to meet the needs of the customer or user. Product requirements are used to define the desired functionality, performance, and other characteristics of a product before it is developed. They help to ensure that the product will meet the needs of the customer or end-user and that it will function as intended. Digital and IoT Product requirements can be functional, such as specifying the weight and size of a product, or non-functional, such as specifying the level of security or reliability that the product must have. They can also include regulatory or compliance requirements, such as those related to safety or environmental impact. Product requirements are used as a basis for product design, development, and testing, and they are often used in conjunction with product specifications to guide the creation of a product that meets the needs of the customer.
Product design: refers to the process of creating a new product, or improving an existing one, by defining its features, form, and function. It includes the conceptualization, research, development, and engineering of a product, from initial concept sketches to final production drawings. Product design also involves creating detailed specifications and requirements for the product, and testing and validating the product to ensure that it meets the needs of the customer or end user. Product design can be applied to physical products, such as consumer goods, industrial equipment, and medical devices, as well as digital products, such as software and mobile apps. It can also include packaging and branding design. The goal of product design is to create a product that is functional, efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly, and that meets the needs of the customer while also being profitable for the manufacturer.
An operational plan for a digital product is a document that outlines the specific actions and resources required to launch and maintain the product. It includes details such as the project scope, timelines, budget, and resource allocation, as well as the specific tasks and responsibilities of the team members involved in the project. An operational plan for a digital product typically includes the following components:
- Product launch plan: Outlines the specific actions and resources required to launch the product, such as marketing and promotion, user onboarding, and customer support.
- Technical plan: Outlines the specific technical requirements and resources required to maintain and support the product, such as hosting and infrastructure, security, and data backup and recovery.
- Support and maintenance plan: Outlines the specific actions and resources required to provide ongoing support and maintenance for the product, such as bug fixes and updates, customer support, and training.
- Business plan: Outlines the financial and revenue projections, pricing strategy, and other business-related aspects of the product.
A technical plan for a digital product outlines the technical requirements, design, and development of the product. It includes details on the technologies and tools that will be used, the architecture of the system, and any infrastructure or hosting needs. It also outlines the development timeline, milestones, and resources needed to build and launch the product. Additionally, it will also cover the testing and quality assurance of the digital product. In some cases, it may also include information on ongoing maintenance and support for the product post-launch.
Product Outcomes:
Defining product outcomes is the process of identifying and specifying the desired results or benefits that a product is intended to deliver. This typically involves identifying the target market and user needs, as well as the problem or opportunity that the product is intended to address.
Here are some steps to define product outcomes:
- Identify the target market and user needs: Understand the demographics, pain points, and goals of the users who will be using the product.
- Define the problem or opportunity: Clearly define the problem or opportunity that the product is intended to solve.
- Set measurable goals: Establish specific, measurable, and achievable goals for the product. Examples include increasing user engagement, improving conversion rates, or reducing customer support inquiries.
- Identify key performance indicators (KPIs): Define the metrics that will be used to measure the success of the product. Examples include user retention, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction scores.
- Define the minimum viable product: Identify the minimum set of features and functionality that are necessary to deliver the desired outcomes and meet the needs of the target market.
- Define a roadmap: Develop a plan that outlines the steps necessary to achieve the desired outcomes and deliver the product to market.
Once you have defined the product outcomes, you can use them to guide the development process and make sure that the product is delivering the desired results.
So you now might ask, what happens with Output? Honestly, just don't worry about it, as long as your Input & Outcomes are well defined and the team understands, they will automatically deliver better and better outcomes sprint by sprint or period after period.
My book recommendation for a deep dive into the subject:
High Output Management
“Unlock the secrets of successful management with “High Output Management,” the essential guide to leading teams and driving results. Written by Andrew S. Grove, former CEO of Intel, this book is based on his decades of experience leading one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world. Discover how to create a high-performance culture, motivate your team, and drive results that exceed expectations. Learn the strategies and tactics that have made Intel a household name and apply them to your own business today. “High Output Management” is a must-read for anyone looking to take their management skills to the next level.”
Link to buy the book: High Output Management
About the author:
Hi, I’m Lehel. I became a product manager to fuel my curiosity in technology and business management by creating digital products. My journey allowed me to dive deep into product design, user experience, business administration, and learning multiple programming languages. I have been fortunate to lead programs for successful Startups and Fortune 500 companies whereas a leader, my focus is on establishing a great product culture to help people strive by following servant leadership and radical candor principles. In my free time, I write about product management & leadership topics to document the learnings of my past 15 years in the field.
It starts with:
- How People Analytics helps to empower and manage tech teams?
- How to map business value with human capital?
- The 5 pillars of scaling cross-functional teams
- 12 Best Books to read in 2023 as a Product Leader
- How to set crystal clear goals as a Leader?
- How to Master the Art of Product Planning?
- The most important job of a Product Leader.
- Discovering the Right Course of Action: How to Make Tough Decisions
You can find me at lehelkakonyi.com as well…
