Examples of simple-yet-powerful product vision statements

Examples of simple-yet-powerful product vision statements

In the world of product development, having a clear vision is crucial. A product vision serves as the guiding light for a team, outlining the future they are trying to create. It answers the question, "What is the future we are trying to create?" However, a vision is just one piece of the puzzle when bringing a new product from concept to market. The strategy, on the other hand, is the "how" - how will the team focus their efforts to bring the vision to life?

But how do product teams come up with these powerful vision statements? Let's explore some examples to gain insights into what makes a vision statement simple, yet powerful.

One example of a powerful vision statement comes from a well-known tech company: "To create a world where technology is accessible to everyone." This vision statement is powerful because it speaks to a larger purpose - making technology inclusive and accessible. It inspires the team to think beyond just creating a product, but rather creating a positive impact on society.

Another example comes from a leading e-commerce platform: "To empower small businesses to thrive in the digital economy." This vision statement is simple, yet powerful, as it highlights the target audience (small businesses) and the desired outcome (thriving in the digital economy). It sets a clear direction for the team and aligns their efforts towards helping small businesses succeed.

What these examples teach us is that a powerful vision statement should be concise, inspiring, and focused on the impact it aims to create. It should provide a sense of purpose and direction for the team, rallying them towards a common goal.

But coming up with a vision statement is just the beginning. How do product teams ensure they stay on track and bring their vision to life? This is where the Opportunity Solution Tree comes into play.

The Opportunity Solution Tree is a framework that helps product teams identify opportunities and solutions. It encourages teams to think beyond a single solution and explore different ways to achieve the desired outcome. The tree starts with identifying the opportunity or problem, and then branches out into different solution options.

To understand the power of the Opportunity Solution Tree, let's consider an example. Imagine a product team is tasked with creating a solution for people who want to feel more grounded in their community. Initially, the team might fixate on a single solution, such as owning a house. However, by using the Opportunity Solution Tree, they can explore alternative solutions that might provide the same benefit.

For instance, they could consider creating a platform for community events, organizing neighborhood gatherings, or even partnering with local organizations to promote community engagement. By expanding their thinking beyond a single solution, the team can discover new opportunities and potentially find a more effective solution.

This highlights a key aspect of problem-solving - ill-structured problems. These are problems that have many solutions, and there are no right or wrong answers, only better or worse ones. To tackle such problems, the solver must start by defining the goal and constraints before exploring potential solutions.

In the context of product discovery, this means starting with a clear desired outcome. By defining what success looks like and understanding the constraints, product teams can navigate the problem space more effectively and uncover innovative solutions.

So, how can product teams apply these insights to their own work? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Craft a powerful vision statement: Take the time to define a clear and inspiring vision statement that aligns the team towards a common purpose. Keep it concise and focused on the impact you aim to create.

• 2. Embrace the Opportunity Solution Tree: When faced with a problem, don't settle for the first solution that comes to mind. Instead, use the Opportunity Solution Tree to explore different possibilities and uncover innovative solutions.

• 3. Start with a clear desired outcome: Before diving into solution exploration, define what success looks like for your product. Understand the constraints and goals to navigate the problem space more effectively.

In conclusion, a powerful vision statement serves as the North Star for product teams, guiding them towards a common goal. However, it is just the starting point. By embracing frameworks like the Opportunity Solution Tree and starting with a clear desired outcome, teams can unlock innovative solutions and bring their vision to life. Remember, the journey from concept to market is a complex puzzle, and each piece plays a crucial role in achieving success.