Complexity of Product Management

Good product usability, or ergonomic products does not depend only on good work of designers. The one orchestrating good product work is the product manager.

The product managers' task is complex in nature.

Product management is a complex discipline that involves managing diverse functions, balancing competing priorities, and making decisions based on incomplete information. Effective product management requires strategic thinking, creativity, technical knowledge, leadership skills, and effective communication.

To become a good product manager is a long learning journey. And, learning often is about reading books. - Recently I found this very good visual by Delibr (unfortunately I could not finde the original post any more) about "The Best Books on Product Management". Having read most of these books - in rather random order - I can recommend this chart as a very good learning path.

To just mention some of my personal favourites:

• Inspired and empowered by Marty Cagan
• Measure What Matters by John Doerr
• Hooked by Nir Eyal
• Escaping the Build Trap by Melissa Perri
• another classic, The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
• Value Proposition Design by Alex Osterwalder et al.
• Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore

Find here a list with some short summaries about all of the listed books.  - And don't stop reading!

Starter:

The book "Inspired" by Marty Cagan is a guide for product managers and product teams to create successful and innovative products. Cagan emphasizes the importance of putting the user's needs first, focusing on problems instead of solutions, and empowering cross-functional teams to work collaboratively. He also provides practical advice on how to conduct user research, prioritize product features, and iterate quickly to deliver products that delight customers. https://amzn.to/3Zyn1MT

Get started as a PM

"Cracking the PM Interview" by Gayle McDowell and Jackie Bavaro is a comprehensive guide to help aspiring product managers land their dream job. The book covers a wide range of topics, including product design, metrics, execution, and behavioral questions. The authors provide practical advice on how to prepare for interviews, what to expect in each stage of the process, and how to present oneself as a strong candidate. The book also includes sample questions, case studies, and frameworks to help readers develop their problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities. Overall, "Cracking the PM Interview" is a must-read for anyone looking to break into the competitive field of product management. https://amzn.to/3Iu1rSw

"Decode and Conquer" by Lewis Lin is a practical guide for anyone seeking a job in the tech industry. The book is specifically tailored for those who aspire to become a product manager, and it offers advice on every aspect of the interview process, from preparation to follow-up. Lin provides detailed strategies for answering common product management interview questions, such as those related to product design, metrics, and customer development. https://amzn.to/3kolPww

Develop in the PM role

Concrete examples, tips & tricks

"Product Management in Practice" by Matt LeMay is a comprehensive guide to the product management discipline. The book covers every stage of the product development process, from identifying customer needs to launching and iterating on a product. LeMay provides practical advice on how to work effectively with cross-functional teams, prioritize product features, and measure success. He also emphasizes the importance of a strong product culture and provides tips on how to foster it within an organization. https://amzn.to/3xKij2u

"The Product Book: How to Become a Great Product Manager" by Josh Anon and Carlos Gonzales de Villaumbrosia is a comprehensive guide to becoming a successful product manager. The book covers every aspect of the product management role, from user research and ideation to product launch and growth. Anon and Gonzales de Villaumbrosia provide practical advice, case studies, and frameworks to help readers develop their product management skills and build successful products that meet customer needs. - https://amzn.to/3KuwNez

Setting goals

"Measure What Matters" by John Doerr is a guide to implementing the Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework, which has been used by some of the most successful companies in the world, including Google and Intel. The book provides practical advice on how to set and measure goals that are ambitious, transparent, and aligned with the company's overall mission. Doerr shares real-world examples and case studies to show how OKRs can drive innovation, collaboration, and performance within organizations. https://amzn.to/3kiX4lt

"Outcomes Over Output" by Joshua Seiden is a guide to shifting from a traditional output-focused approach to product development to one that prioritizes outcomes. Seiden argues that measuring success by output, such as the number of features released, often leads to building products that fail to meet customer needs. Instead, he provides practical advice on how to define and measure outcomes, which are the changes in customer behavior or business metrics that products are intended to achieve, and how to use them to guide product development. https://amzn.to/3xNNLNf

Doing Discovery

"Sprint" by Jake Knapp is a practical guide to the design sprint, a five-day process for solving big problems and testing new ideas. Knapp, who developed the sprint process at Google, provides a step-by-step framework for running a successful sprint, including techniques for ideation, prototyping, and user testing. The book includes case studies and real-world examples to show how companies have used the sprint process to innovate and create successful products. https://amzn.to/3Iy2rp0

"Continuous Discovery Habits" by Teresa Torres is a guide to creating a sustainable and effective product discovery practice. Torres emphasizes the importance of continuously gathering and incorporating customer feedback throughout the product development process. She provides practical advice on how to conduct user research, prioritize features, and align cross-functional teams around a shared product vision. The book includes case studies and frameworks to help readers develop their product discovery skills and build successful products that meet customer needs. https://amzn.to/3knUHxz

Collaboration by working with …

… user stories

"User Story Mapping" by Jeff Patton is a guide to creating user-centric product roadmaps using the user story mapping technique. Patton argues that traditional feature-focused roadmaps are often ineffective because they do not take into account the user's perspective. Instead, he provides practical advice on how to map out the user journey, organize user stories into themes, and prioritize features based on user needs. The book includes case studies and examples to show how user story mapping can help teams build successful products that meet customer needs. https://amzn.to/3m3h6AU

… feature documents

"Epic Alignment" by Nils Janse is a guide to aligning product strategy with company objectives using the "Epic" framework. Janse argues that successful product development requires a clear understanding of how products support overall business goals. He provides practical advice on how to identify and prioritize "Epic" initiatives, which are high-level projects that align with company objectives, and how to use them to guide product development. The book includes case studies and real-world examples to show how companies have used the Epic framework to drive innovation and growth. https://amzn.to/3Exrqr2

… roadmaps

"Product Roadmaps Relaunched" is a practical guidebook that provides a new approach to product roadmapping that enables teams to build better products. The authors provide a step-by-step framework that helps product managers and their teams to create effective roadmaps that align with business goals, customer needs, and market trends. The book also includes case studies, templates, and tips for managing stakeholders and communicating roadmap decisions. https://amzn.to/41dEUSy

Changing user behavior

"Badass: Making Users Awesome" is a unique approach to designing products that focuses on creating passionate and engaged users. The book offers a blend of theory and practical advice on how to build products that help users to achieve mastery and become "badasses" in their field. Kathy Sierra uses examples from gaming, sports, and music to illustrate her ideas and provides a comprehensive framework for designing products that deliver real value to users. https://amzn.to/3ILmssj

"Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" is a guidebook that provides a framework for building products that can create user habits. The author, Nir Eyal, presents the Hook Model, a four-step process that involves triggering, action, variable rewards, and investment, to help product designers create addictive experiences for users. The book also includes case studies and practical tips for applying the Hook Model to design products that keep users engaged and coming back for more. https://amzn.to/3YWeDXs

Develop into a product leader

"Empowered" by Marty Cagan is a guide to creating a successful and effective product organization. Cagan argues that to build great products, companies need to empower their product teams to make key decisions and take ownership of their work. The book provides practical advice on how to structure teams, foster a culture of experimentation and learning, and create a product vision that inspires and aligns the organization. https://amzn.to/3m3Y1hK

"Escaping the Build Trap" by Melissa Perri is a guide for organizations looking to shift from a feature-focused mindset to a more customer-centric approach to product development. Perri argues that too often, companies fall into the "build trap," where they prioritize building more features over delivering value to customers. She provides practical advice on how to break free from this cycle, including techniques for conducting user research, defining a clear product strategy, and empowering teams to experiment and learn. https://amzn.to/3m1PYSM

Product Lifecycle Phase

Early Phase

"The Lean Product Playbook" is a practical guidebook that provides a step-by-step process for building successful products. The author, Dan Olsen, introduces the Lean Product Process, a six-step framework that helps product managers to identify customer needs, test product ideas, and iterate quickly based on feedback. The book also includes case studies, examples, and practical tips for applying the Lean Product Process to build products that meet customer needs and drive business growth. https://amzn.to/3KtrPi9

"The Lean Startup" is a groundbreaking book that introduced the concept of Lean Startup methodology, a scientific approach to building and scaling startups. The author, Eric Ries, emphasizes the importance of validated learning, rapid experimentation, and iterative development in creating successful businesses. The book provides practical advice and case studies for applying Lean Startup methodology to validate product ideas, measure progress, and pivot when necessary to achieve product-market fit. https://amzn.to/3ZaQwUy

"Value Proposition Design" is a practical guidebook that provides a framework for creating compelling value propositions that resonate with customers. The author, Alex Osterwalder, introduces the Value Proposition Canvas, a tool that helps product managers to understand customer needs, define value propositions, and test product-market fit. The book also includes case studies, examples, and practical tips for applying the Value Proposition Canvas to build products that create real value for customers. https://amzn.to/3YXDuKj

Scale-up Phase

"Crossing the Chasm" is a classic business book that provides a framework for understanding and navigating the challenges of marketing new technologies to mainstream customers. The book introduces the idea of the "chasm," a gap between early adopters and the mainstream market, and provides strategies for bridging this gap. The author, Geoffrey Moore, also presents a framework for creating a marketing message that resonates with the needs and values of mainstream customers. https://amzn.to/3xNJNEo

The Unprecedented User Experience of Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring with Wearables

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and high blood pressure is a major contributor to this problem. Until recently, monitoring blood pressure meant visiting a doctor, clinic or hospital and undergoing an invasive procedure with a bulky and uncomfortable cuff. Or measuring 24 hr profiles using a complicated system of cuff and pump taped to your body which made raise your bloods pressure just by the pure fact of irritating your body and comfort. 

However, advances in technology have changed the game, and continuous blood pressure monitoring is now possible with the use of an optical sensor wearable bracelet such as Aktiia - for example.

What is Aktiia?

Aktiia is a new generation wearable device - classified as a medical device - that continuously monitors blood pressure. It uses a unique technology based on photoplethysmography (PPG), which measures blood flow by shining light through the skin and detecting changes in blood volume. The device is worn on the wrist and can be worn 24/7, providing a continuous stream of data on the wearer's blood pressure.

This bracelet helped me to get my blood pressure - after episodes of unhealthy peak levels, and high night pressure - back under control.

The Unprecedented User Experience

The user experience of continuous blood pressure monitoring with Aktiia is truly unprecedented. With its sleek and comfortable design, the device can be worn at all times, providing constant monitoring of the wearer's blood pressure. This means that any changes in blood pressure can be detected and recorded immediately, allowing for early detection of any potential problems.

One of the biggest advantages of Aktiia is the ease of use. The device is simple to set up, and the accompanying app provides a user-friendly interface for tracking blood pressure and other health data. The app also provides personalized insights and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making it easier for users to stay on top of their health.

Another significant benefit of Aktiia is the ability to provide data in real-time. The device sends data wirelessly to the accompanying app, allowing users to see their blood pressure readings in real-time. This information can be used to make informed decisions about their health, such as adjusting medication or lifestyle changes.

Finally, Aktiia is also convenient for busy individuals. Unlike traditional blood pressure monitoring methods, there is no need to schedule appointments or visit a clinic. The device can be worn wherever the user goes, providing constant monitoring and data collection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solutions such as Aktiia offer an unprecedented user experience for continuous blood pressure monitoring. With its sleek and comfortable design, ease of use, real-time data collection, and the ability to provide personalized insights, such wearable diagnostics devices are set to revolutionize the way people monitor and manage their blood pressure. Whether you're an individual concerned about your health or a healthcare professional looking for a more efficient way to monitor your patients, Aktiia provides a new and exciting solution.

Usability of Hangers in Wardrobes

What are key success factors for hangers in wardrobes?

Factors that contribute to the usability of a hanger in a wardrobe include:

1. Material: The material should be strong enough to support the weight of the clothing and durable enough to withstand repeated use.

2. Size: The size should be appropriate for the type of clothing being hung and fit comfortably in the wardrobe.

3. Shape: The shape should allow for easy access to the clothing and prevent the clothing from sliding off or becoming tangled.

4. Hook design: The hook should be sturdy and allow for easy hanging and removal of the clothing.

5. Space efficiency: The hanger should take up minimal space in the wardrobe to maximize storage capacity.

6. Aesthetics: The hanger should be visually appealing and complement the aesthetic of the wardrobe.

7. Price: The hanger should be affordably priced and provide good value for the cost.

In our wardrobe we have this one model of black hangers. - And I hate them for one reason!

Testing on above essential requirements:

1. Material: metal, black painted, ... all good - except that they make quite a bit of noise when hanging jackets or coats. The design makes them behave like a tuning fork in music.

2. Size: pretty much standard, ... all good - an given the lean design they are light enough.

3. Shape: basically there is no issue with the shape - except that one detail! - but let's cover that later.

4. Hook design: also here, basically no issue - it hangs very well to the wardrobe rail - except that one detail! - ...

5. Space efficiency: here, the model under discussion is exceptionally good. Absolutely no space is wasted on the rail.

6. Aesthetics: visually - I like it!

7. Price: for a designer piece, it was very affordable.

But now, that one usability issue which makes this product a total failure:

In the process of unhanging jackets I struggle each and every time with that little opening in the hanger, next to the hook. the way you would normally hang a hanger to the wardrobe rail, this opening is a true trap in the process!

    

Every time my jacket gets stuck and trapped in that little gap and if I do not rip a hole into the fabric of my jacket, I am at least well irritated and busy to get my jacket off.

Now, many people tell me - "don't stress out, just take both of you hands when taking a jacket off the hanger, or hang the hanger the other way around to the rail, ...".

NO! As a user I don't want to use both of my hands, because usually I have keys, a bag, or something else in my other hand. 

And, NO! I don't want to hang them the other way around. Why on earth should I?

In conclusion: another example of a household piece designed for aesthetics and not to serve its maximum purpose in the end user's process.

Innovation: Miles Davis - A Story of Serial Innovation in Music

If you are driving innovation, or if you have an innovation challenge at hand, or if you are challenged to serially innovate, sometimes it makes sense to get inspired from totally different fields to get a different and more creative point of view.

When talking about serial innovators we immediately have a list of people in mind. -- To only mention a few:

• Thomas Edison (1847-1931) - Edison was an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world. He is considered one of the most prolific inventors in history, holding over 1,000 patents for his innovations. Some of his most impactful innovations include the electric power distribution system, the motion picture camera, and the incandescent light bulb.
• Henry Ford (1863-1947) - Ford was an American industrialist and the founder of the Ford Motor Company. He revolutionized the automotive industry and the mass production of goods, making the automobile accessible to a broader segment of society. He is often credited with creating the modern assembly line and establishing the principle of "Fordism."
• Steve Jobs (1955-2011) - Jobs was an American entrepreneur and inventor who co-founded Apple Inc. and was the driving force behind several of the company's innovative products, including the Macintosh computer, the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad. Jobs transformed the way people use technology and revolutionised the personal computer, music, and mobile phone industries.

Recently I stumbled over the biography of famous jazz musician Miles Davis. - When it comes to music, Miles Davis was one of the most innovative and transformative musicians of the 20th century, known for his ability to constantly push the boundaries of the genre and experiment with new sounds and techniques. Throughout his career, he made a number of significant contributions to the world of music, each of which had a major impact on the way that jazz and other genres were perceived and performed.

One of Miles Davis' most significant innovations was his role in the development of the bebop style of jazz, which emerged in the 1940s. Bebop was characterized by its fast tempos, complex harmonies, and virtuosic improvisation, and it represented a major departure from the more traditional forms of jazz that had preceded it. Miles Davis was a key figure in the bebop movement, and his virtuosic trumpet playing and intricate solos were a major influence on other musicians of the time.

Another major innovation that Miles Davis was involved in was the development of modal jazz in the late 1950s. Unlike traditional forms of jazz, which were based on chord progressions, modal jazz relied on a single musical mode, or scale, as the foundation for improvisation. This approach allowed for a greater degree of freedom and experimentation, and it was a major influence on the development of jazz fusion and other forms of experimental music.

Perhaps one of the most significant innovations of Miles Davis's career was his experimentation with electric instruments and rock rhythms in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This experimentation led to the creation of jazz-rock fusion, which became a major commercial success and had a profound influence on the course of popular music. Miles Davis's album "Bitches Brew" released in 1970, is considered a pioneering album in the fusion genre.

Finally, It is also worth mentioning that Miles Davis was not just a musician but also a style icon. He was known for his sharp fashion sense, and his style influenced not just his peers but also the fashion industry as a whole. This made him not just a musical innovator but a cultural innovator as well.

In conclusion, Miles Davis was a jazz musician who was renowned for his innovative approach to music. He played a key role in the development of bebop, modal jazz, and jazz-rock fusion and his experimentation with electric instruments and rock rhythms had a profound influence on the course of popular music. His influence and legacy continue to inspire musicians and audiences to this day.

After Miles Davis, jazz music continued to evolve and diversify, with a number of different subgenres and styles emerging. Some of the key innovations and developments in jazz after Davis include:

• Jazz Fusion: Building on the experimentation that Miles Davis had done with electric instruments and rock rhythms, jazz fusion became a popular subgenre in the 1970s. Jazz fusion combined elements of jazz, rock, funk, and other genres, and was characterized by complex harmonic structures and virtuosic improvisation. Artists like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Weather Report were some of the most prominent jazz fusion musicians of the time.
• Jazz-Rap: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, jazz and hip-hop began to cross-pollinate, resulting in the emergence of jazz-rap. Jazz-rap combines elements of jazz and hip-hop music, and often features live instrumentalists playing alongside rappers. Groups like Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, and Digable Planets were some of the pioneers of this genre.
• Acid Jazz: In the 1980s and 1990s, a new subgenre of jazz emerged, known as acid jazz. Acid jazz was heavily influenced by funk and soul music, and often featured elements of electronic music. Artists like Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies, and Galliano were some of the most prominent acid jazz musicians of the time.
• Neo-Soul: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a new subgenre of jazz known as neo-soul emerged. Neo-soul combined elements of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, and often featured elements of gospel and funk music. Artists like Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, and Jill Scott were some of the most prominent neo-soul musicians of the time.
• Jazz-Pop: In recent years, a new subgenre of jazz, known as jazz-pop, has emerged. This genre combines elements of jazz and pop music, and often features elements of electronic music. Artists like Gregory Porter, Gregory Porter, and Jamie Cullum are some of the most prominent jazz-pop musicians of the time.

It's worth mentioning that these are just a few examples of many subgenres and innovations in jazz music after Miles Davis, and the scene is constantly evolving. With the rise of new technologies, the use of electronic instruments and soundscapes within jazz has been on the rise in recent years. There are also many young jazz musicians who are pushing the boundaries of the genre and creating new sounds and styles.