Finding the Right Product Management Frameworks
and Methodologies: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All
During my many years in product management, the number of available frameworks, methodologies, and tools has exploded. While these can enable product teams to be more efficient and effective, the options can feel overwhelming, leaving teams unsure of which to choose.
From Agile to Lean, Minimum Viable Product, Working Backwards, North Star Framework, Design Thinking, Business Model Canvas, Jobs To Be Done, RICE Prioritization, Kano Model, and Circles Method — to name just a few. Which approach should you use? Which is best?
At times like this, it’s important to remember that no single framework or methodology is a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one company might not work for another. The key is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and apply them in a way that aligns with your company’s goals, needs, values, and culture.
When selecting a product management framework, consider factors like your team’s size and experience, the complexity of your product, the stage of your company’s growth, and even the type of product and market.
From my experience, you will need to adapt whatever frameworks, methodologies, or tools you decide to use to make them work best for your organization. Rarely can you just put them in place and expect them to work flawlessly, or copy what worked for another company and expect the same results. You will likely customize for your business and fine-tune things through several iterations.
From my perspective, it all starts with intent. Be clear on what you want to accomplish. Then determine what you will use to achieve that. Don’t blindly follow someone else’s approach and let the process become a substitute for thinking.
Don’t be afraid to change and adapt methodologies, frameworks, and tools to make them your own. Customize and make them bespoke for your organization. See how they work and adjust as needed to get the best results.
At the end of the day, the most effective product management approach is one that allows you to deliver value to your customers while remaining adaptable and responsive to change.
Originally published in Bootcamp on Medium.