"Creating a Product Vision: Engineering Considerations and Facilitating Ideas"

"Creating a Product Vision: Engineering Considerations and Facilitating Ideas"

Introduction:

Creating a product vision is a crucial aspect of product management. It requires incorporating input from various sources and thinking outside the box to outline innovative ideas. Additionally, product managers need to consider engineering aspects to ensure the successful implementation of their vision. In this article, we will explore the connection between creating a product vision and engineering considerations, while also discussing effective strategies for facilitating ideas.

Facilitating Ideas for the Product Vision:

As a product manager, it is essential to view yourself as a facilitator rather than the sole creator of the vision. By embracing input from different team members, you can gather diverse perspectives and ideas. One effective strategy is to establish a process that encourages collaboration and feedback. This could involve seeking input from key individuals within the team, sharing and updating the strategy, and repeating the process. By doing so, you can ensure that the product vision is a collective effort, reflecting the insights and expertise of the entire team.

Exploring Extreme Ideas:

When outlining the product vision, it is beneficial to explore a range of ideas, including the most extreme ones that still align with the available data points. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible, you can identify new opportunities and potential gaps in the market. This exercise allows you to evaluate which ideas feel most true and which ones carry an element of risk. By analyzing the risky ideas, you can identify areas that require improvement or innovation. Remember, even if an idea seems too extreme initially, it can always be refined and adapted to a more neutral position.

Connecting Engineering Considerations:

While envisioning the product, product managers must also consider engineering aspects for successful implementation. Here are some key engineering considerations that product managers need to watch out for:

1. Real-time Requirements:

Product managers should determine whether the results of their algorithms can be calculated in advance or need to be calculated in real-time. Real-time requirements impact the design of pipelines and the choice of storage methods. It is crucial to assess the feasibility of real-time calculations and ensure they align with the product vision.

2. Data and Model Dependencies:

When data is added or modified, certain models may need to be re-run or re-trained. Product managers should identify the models that are dependent on data updates and establish acceptable Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for the frequency of updates. This consideration ensures that the product vision remains adaptable to evolving data requirements.

3. Data Collection Methods:

Understanding how data is collected is vital for product managers. Whether it is collected in batches or streamed continuously, and whether it is pushed or pulled, impacts the design and implementation of the product vision. Real-time requirements further complicate data collection, necessitating efficient and timely data gathering processes.

Actionable Advice:

1. Foster a Culture of Collaboration:

Encourage open communication and collaboration within your team. By creating a safe space for sharing ideas and feedback, you can harness the collective intelligence of your team members and enhance the quality of the product vision.

2. Embrace Iterative Development:

Product managers should adopt an iterative development approach. By continuously seeking feedback and incorporating it into the product vision, you can ensure that the final outcome aligns with the needs and expectations of the target audience.

3. Prioritize Scalability and Flexibility:

Consider scalability and flexibility during the product vision creation process. Anticipate future growth and potential changes in the market landscape. By designing a product vision that can adapt and scale as needed, you can future-proof your product and stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion:

Creating a product vision requires a combination of facilitating ideas from various sources and considering engineering aspects. By embracing collaboration, exploring extreme ideas, and incorporating engineering considerations, product managers can develop a robust and innovative product vision. Through fostering a culture of collaboration, embracing iterative development, and prioritizing scalability and flexibility, product managers can enhance their ability to turn their product vision into a reality.