Feature factory vs. product discovery: A 3-lens framework for PMs

Product managers often fall into the trap of focusing on pre-defined solutions rather than the underlying problems they aim to solve, especially when stakeholders approach with ready-made ideas, leading to detailed plans that may not address the actual issues. This pattern can be interrupted by employing a three-lens framework that shifts focus from solutions to problems and then to outcomes, ensuring that product development is intentional and aligned with real user needs. The framework suggests starting discovery conversations by restating what was heard to ensure mutual understanding, then using the problem lens to explore the current state and the outcome lens to define success, ultimately leading to more thoughtful and effective solutions. By engaging stakeholders through this method, product managers can protect the project's success by uncovering potential pitfalls early and testing assumptions before committing to full-scale development, as demonstrated in the example of a chatbot feature intended to improve support ticket submissions. This approach not only aligns with strategic goals but also enhances collaboration and reduces the risk of developing features that go unused, as it encourages asking the right questions and understanding the broader impact of decisions.

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