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As a Multifaceted Product Manager and Founder, I've learned that while frameworks are essential for prioritization, they should complement, not replace, a PM's intuition and interpersonal skills. This article explores three prioritization frameworks, their pros and cons, potential pitfalls, and the importance of human judgment and relationships.
Framework 1: The RICE Scoring Model
Details: Considers Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort to evaluate tasks or features.
Example: In developing a new mobile application, I used RICE to prioritize user engagement features over aesthetic updates, considering their higher impact and reach.
Pros: Offers a balanced, quantifiable approach to evaluate tasks or features.
Cons: Can be subjective, particularly in estimating 'Confidence.'
Pitfall to avoid: Over-reliance on quantitative data may overshadow qualitative insights.
Real-World Application: Prioritized improving in-app search functionality due to its higher impact and reach, despite a challenging effort score.
Framework 2: Kano Model
Details: Categorizes features into Basic, Performance, and Excitement, focusing on customer satisfaction.
Example: For a SaaS product I managed, the Kano Model helped in deciding to introduce AI-based recommendations (Excitement feature) after ensuring all Basic features were robust.
Pros: Enhances user satisfaction by categorizing features based on customer delight.
Cons: May neglect necessary back-end features that don't directly impact user satisfaction.
Pitfall to avoid: Risk of focusing too much on 'Excitement' features at the expense of 'Basic' necessities.
Real-World Application: Prioritized essential UI navigation improvements before innovative data visualization features.
Framework 3: MoSCoW Method
Details: Stands for Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have, offering a clear hierarchy.
Example: While planning an update for an e-commerce platform, MoSCoW aided in prioritizing payment security enhancements (Must have) over introducing new payment gateways (Could have).
Pros: Provides a clear hierarchy for feature prioritization.
Cons: Can oversimplify complex decision-making processes.
Pitfall to avoid: May lead to neglecting 'Could have' features that offer significant long-term value.
Real-World Application: Focused on critical security patches as 'Must have' before 'Could have' aesthetic updates.
The Human Element in Prioritization:
Network Internally: Building relationships within the organization is vital. It allows for the gathering of diverse perspectives, fostering a collaborative environment where different viewpoints can lead to innovative solutions. Engaging with various teams and stakeholders offers a broader understanding of the product's impact and potential, helping to identify opportunities that might not be immediately apparent through standard frameworks.
Stay Open Minded: It's encouraged to actively seek fresh, unbiased viewpoints. Sometimes, an outside perspective can offer clarity, challenge preconceived notions, or provide novel ideas. This approach can lead to discovering unique paths forward, or even hybrid solutions that blend the best of different strategies. This holistic approach, combining analytical frameworks with human insights and collaboration, is what truly defines effective prioritization in product management.
Conclusion:
While prioritization frameworks are powerful tools, they should be used as guides, not absolutes. Balancing these methods with your intuition and the insights gained from strong internal relationships leads to more holistic and effective decision-making in product management.
CTA for my fellow PM’S:
I invite fellow PMs and thought leaders to share their experiences with these frameworks or others, including how they integrate personal judgment and team dynamics into their decision-making processes. Please comment below, thank you. Additional learning resources: RICE Scoring Model: https://www.productplan.com/glossary/rice-scoring-model/
Kano Model: https://www.productplan.com/glossary/kano-model/ MoSCoW Method: https://www.productplan.com/glossary/moscow-prioritization/
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