Product Sense: Understanding and Developing Successful Products

For product managers, the ability to develop successful products is more critical than ever. It takes a keen understanding of user needs, a deep understanding of the market, and the ability to create a product that solves a problem or fulfills a need. This is where product sense comes in. In this article, we will explore what product sense is, why it is important, and how it can be developed. We will also use examples of well-known digital products to illustrate the importance of product sense in the real world.

Product sense is the ability to understand and develop successful products. It is a combination of skills that allow a person to conceptualize a product, develop a product roadmap, prioritize features, and create a user experience that meets the needs of the target audience. A person with strong product sense has a deep understanding of the market, the competition, and user needs. They can leverage that knowledge to create products that stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Product sense involves a range of skills, including market research, user experience design, business strategy, and project management. It is an essential skill for product managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone involved in the development of new products.

Product sense is important for several reasons. First, it enables companies to create products that meet the needs of their target audience. By understanding the market and user needs, companies can create products that solve problems and fulfill needs, resulting in higher sales and customer satisfaction.

Second, product sense allows companies to stay ahead of the competition. By understanding the market and competition, companies can identify market opportunities and create products that differentiate themselves from the competition.

Finally, product sense can save companies time and money. By prioritizing features and creating a clear product roadmap, companies can develop products more efficiently, reducing development costs and getting products to market faster.

Let's look at some examples of well-known products to illustrate the importance of product sense.

The Apple iPhone is a prime example of a product that was developed with strong product sense. Apple identified a gap in the market for a smartphone that was easy to use, had a large touch screen, and could access the internet. While the market already gave positive signals about a handheld internet-accessible device through BlackBerry, Apple went beyond what was already on the market and build what they believed the market really wanted. By understanding the market and user needs, Apple created a product that has become a cultural icon.

Google search is another example of a product that was developed with strong product sense. Google identified a gap in the market for a search engine that could deliver fast and accurate results. Many other search engines existed: Yahoo, Dogpile, AskJeeves, among others. By understanding the market and what mattered most to the user: speed and accuracy, Google created a product that dominated the search engine market and still does today.

Airbnb is a prime example of a product that was developed by understanding user needs. The founders of Airbnb realized that many people were looking for a more affordable and authentic travel experience. By understanding this need, they created a platform that allows people to rent out their homes to travelers, providing a unique and authentic travel experience.

Product sense is a skill that can be developed over time. Here are some tips for developing product sense:

Understand your target audience and their needs. Conduct market research and user testing to gain insights into what your audience wants.

Understand the competitive landscape and identify gaps in the market that you can fill.

Develop a clear product roadmap and prioritize features that meet the most important user needs.

Use data and user feedback to continually improve your product. Iterate on features and design to create a product that meets user needs.

Develop a business strategy that aligns with your product goals. Consider factors such as pricing, marketing, and distribution.

Product sense is an essential skill for anyone involved in the development of new products. It is the ability to understand and develop successful products that meet the needs of the target audience, differentiate themselves from the competition, and save time and money in the development process. By developing product sense, companies can create products that are not only successful but also have a positive impact on their customers.

Understanding the market and competition, prioritizing features, and creating a user experience that meets the needs of the target audience are all crucial components of product sense. Companies that can develop these skills are better positioned to succeed in today's digital marketplace.