Prodity: Product by Design

In this episode we have an incredible conversation with Rob Ristagno, CEO of Sterling Woods and expert in segmentation and product/market fit. We talk about the issues most companies have with segmentation, steps to improve segmentation, and how to identify product/market fit. Listen in for more product management and UX insights! Links from the show: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrista...

Looking for ideas for holiday gifts? We've got you covered. Looking to start a trend of giving gifts for work anniversaries? We agree completely. And have got the perfect options for you. Listen on! Links from the show: Product Manager : Affordable  Funny notebook - $18 - https://wtfnotebooks.com/ Book - $32 - Design https://amzn.to/32YyMUL Moderate  Ember smart mug - $149 https://www.bestbuy.com/...

Embracing product thinking as a product development team, an organization, and as practitioners is key to creating great products. Adopting a product mindset comes through education, experimentation, communication, and constant improvement. We explore how to shift mindsets, where project thinking falls short, and so much more. Mark's Bio: Mark is an independent IT consultant with almost 30 years o...

Jason Sherman - an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and futurist - joins us to talk about validating ideas through minimum viable products (MVPs), creating successful launches, and constant learning to build new skills and iterate on your ideas. Join us for another superb conversation. Bio: Jason runs a web and mobile dev shop and film studio from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He gives guest lectures at are...

Jens is a longtime product manager, and he joins us to talk about all things product. We discuss the benefits of writing as a forcing function and how writing and product are so similar. We also discuss how to work with engineers and the role of product management as risk management. And so much more. Listen for one of the best product conversations we've had yet. Bio: Jens is Head of Product at R...

Having more options may seem better, but is it? In this episode, we explore the paradox of choice—when having too many options actually slows us down and paralyzes our decision-making. We discuss why we end up with too many features in our products and what we can do to avoid creating feature overload for our customers. Killing Features (article) Defeating Feature Fatigue (article) Patrick Colliso...

We dive into 5 questions we've received recently and give some thoughts: How much should I focus on competitors? How much will a certification help me? How do I deal with timelines from stakeholders? What do you think about Customer Advisory Boards? How do you work with UX and engineering on discovery work? Buckle up for a rapid fire episode. Killing Features 10 Heuristics for Good UX Product Thin...

Piyali Dey is a product manager with Microsoft. In this episode, she shares tips on getting into product management, including the skills new product managers need, how to leverage existing experience, and interviewing and networking tips. We also discuss what you can do to build your portfolio, how to avoid common resume mistakes, and whether you need certifications and specific education. Finall...

Burnout-chronic workplace stress that hasn't been successfully managed-is becoming more and more common. But what can we do about it? In this episode, we talk with experience designer Carien Moolman about her experience with burnout. We discuss the 3 predictors of burnout and what each of us need to overcome and avoid burnout in our careers. We also talk tips and tricks for avoiding burnout as pro...

Dark design patterns are about manipulating users to do things that businesses want them to do, but that users may not want to do themselves. These patterns are as prevalent as they are evil. In this episode, we discuss some of the most common dark patterns and how different businesses and industries employ them. And why we need to be the voice to stop the manipulation. Darkpatterns.org Sign up fo...

Burnout is a serious issue, and is becoming an increasingly common workplace phenomenon. But what can we do about it? In this episode, we identify the symptoms of burnout, the common causes, and what we can do to prevent burnout in ourselves and our teams. From taking breaks, to finding the right role and company, to taking control of our "why" and our time. B-Hyve Smart Sprinker Sign up for Kyle'...

We've all launched features that succeed and features that failed. But why are some successful and others unsuccessful? In this episode, we look at some examples of good product features from our own experience and from other companies, as well as unsuccessful features to examine what makes a good feature and good experience, and what we can learn from success and failure. From Snapchat Stories to...

In this episode, we are joined by Rachael Larsen, the new Head of Education at Product School. Rachael has been in technology and education for over 14 years, and has built software products that range from mobile apps to large enterprise systems. We discuss everything from "beta spring" weather to prioritizing in product and in life. We discuss tips for product managers, best advice, and some hig...

Managing your product career is critical to your success. It starts with applying a product mindset to your career, and taking that mindset to your job search and interviewing when that time comes. In this episode, we give our top tips on how to do that, from before you start looking for a job, to while your interviewing, to post interview tips. Sign up for Kyle's Product Thinking Newsletter for m...

What is an MVP? Why is it important? Why is the idea of a minimum viable product so contentious? Are you building an actual MVP or just shipping crap and calling it an MVP? We tackle these questions and more as we discuss MVPs, their history, what an MVP really is, and how to use them in product development.

User personas have been around for a long time. Creating them can be an excellent exercise and a useful tool for UX design and product teams. But are they always the right answer? And what about when the rubber meets the road? Personas can be great in theory, but in practice can fall short. In this episode, we explore the ways to use personas and the ways they can fall short, along with what to do...

Being a product manager or UX designer can be great. But it can also suck. In this episode, we discuss the best and worst elements of working in product management and product design. From the highs of creating a strategy and solving real user problems to the lows of fighting constant bureaucracy and cranking out features, we tackle the reality of our favorite (and least favorite) parts of the job...

David Broschinsky is a Director of UX. He has over 20 years of experience, and has seen the field grow from almost nothing to its current state. As he's helped develop UX teams and UX practitioners, he's seen what works and what it takes to be successful. In this episode, we discussed where UX started and the changes we'll see in the future. We talked about how we can build good design teams and g...

Recognizing and acknowledging employees and colleagues is critical for motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction. But how can we do better at recognizing our team members and teammates? Who should do it? When is a good time? And why, as product people, is it especially important? Join us as we dive headfirst into 2021 and into the importance of acknowledging accomplishments, great and small.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the product manager or UX designer in your life? Look no further. We've got you covered. Whether it's a small token of appreciation or a major splurge, there is something on our list sure to satisfy discerning tastes. We cover items for less expensive to very nice, along with a few surprise bonuses. So take a listen if you need ideas for yourself or someone...

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we give 10 shout-outs (and a few bonuses) to some products we're using and love. From apps on our computers, to apps on our phones, to the best cup of hot chocolate, settle in for a holiday treat as we talk good product and design.  Secura Milk Frother Setapp : Netflix of apps Elevate : Brain training CleanShot X : screenshot & screen recording Fossil Smartwatch...

In this episode we sat down with Adam Thomas, a product manager, leader and coach, to talk about 3 main cognitive biases in product teams and what we can do about them. We discussed how product managers are responsible for the decision fitness and process, and how to move from system one thinking to system two thinking. Buckle up for another great discussion.  Links and notes: Wasps: From Murder H...

In this episode, we interviewed Ali Maquet, a Principal Portfolio Manager at WGU. She has had an array of experience, from working as a business analyst, a scrum master, a product manager and now a portfolio manager. She gives advice for moving into different roles, shaping your role, working with different disciplines, and building trust. Ali is one of the best, so get ready for an amazing conver...

It's critical we continue our learning and development as product managers and UX designers. But it can be hard when our jobs take up so much time day-to-day. What are some of the best ways to continue professional progression? We dive into that topic and more on this episode. Professional Learning: Podcasts Webinars, Publications and Newsletters: Product Thinking , Product by Design Books Confere...

Links: Presentation Link: Google Slides