What is the CIRCLES Method? The CIRCLES method is a problem-solving framework that helps product managers (PMs) make a thorough and thoughtful response to any design question. The seven linear steps of the process form the CIRCLES acronym: Comprehend the situation; identify the customer; report the customer’s needs; cut, through prioritization; list solutions; evaluate tradeoffs, […]
What is a Product Management Audit? A product management audit is a complete, objective review of a company’s product strategy and product management processes. Each aspect of the product strategy and process is numerically rated to identify areas of weakness that would benefit from improvement, as well as any areas that are completely lacking. By […]
What is user research? User research is the discipline of learning about users’ needs and thought processes by studying how they perform tasks, observing how they interact with a product, or by using other data-driven strategies. Although the term is sometimes confused with usability testing, user research encompasses a broader range of methodologies, some of […]
What is Behavioral Product Management? Behavioral product management applies behavioral science and human psychology to product design. When planning their products, behavioral product managers take into account that people make irrational decisions. Keeping this in mind, they apply psychological research to build products around those irrationalities. The approach also uses psychological principles to guide customers […]
What is a Product Feature Kickoff? A product feature kickoff is a meeting in which a product manager and relevant stakeholders set plans, goals, and responsibilities for the team’s work on a new feature. For most organizations, the product feature kickoff is the event that marks the company’s official start date for the feature’s development. […]
What is Product Differentiation? Product differentiation is a process used by businesses to distinguish a product or service from other similar ones available in the market. This tactic aims to help businesses develop a competitive advantage and define compelling, unique selling propositions (USPs) that set their product apart from competitors. In addition, organizations with multiple […]
What is a Method of Procedure? A method of procedure (MOP) is a step-by-step guideline for completing a project. Think of it as a recipe for accomplishing a business task. Businesses use MOPs to remove the guesswork and reduce human error. A company might write a MOP to guide employees through adding a server to […]
What Is a User Flow? A user flow is a chart or diagram showing the path a user will take in an application to complete a task. Product teams build user flows to intuitive design products, present the correct information to users at the right time, and allow users to complete desired tasks in as […]
What Is a Wireframe? A wireframe is a basic, two-dimensional visual representation of a web page, app interface, or product layout. You can think of it as a low-fidelity, functional sketch. Product designers and UX (user experience) professionals draw up wireframes to communicate how they plan to arrange and prioritize features, and how they intend […]
What Is the Amazon Working Backwards Method? The Amazon working backward method is a product development approach that starts with the team imagining the product is ready to ship. The product team’s first step is to draft a press release announcing the product’s availability. The audience for this press release is the product’s customer. […]
