Thread by @NicoleDaines

Taking on a new product portfolio at work and it’s gotten me back in pure discovery mode. It’s awesome starting a new team from scratch.

Here’s how I do it:

First task is to learn about the users and their problems, as well as my stakeholders and their needs.

1) Data gathering. Use the product. Look at data.

Goal: Figure out what the heck is going on here. Who uses these products and why? What friction are they experiencing?

I find any research we already have. I’m trying to understand how it fits into the bigger picture.

2) Listening tour with colleagues. What have they heard from users and experienced themselves? Where do they see opportunities and challenges?

Here, I put together a questionnaire to get at the heart of what’s going on.

I float hypotheses about needing to take a closer look in some areas.

I know it’s early to do that, but I want to see where the conversation leads.

It’s fodder for future vision making. Non-committal. I’m not attached to these ideas. I’m in learning mode.

3) User interviews. Now it gets real. I hear firsthand what people are experiencing. I learn they really need me to do something about their pain. I make no promises but this information is invaluable to me.

I do this with a questionnaire focusing on what their goals/problems are and figuring out how my products might fit into their worlds.

This is where we learn how they’re having to contort the products or use alternatives to get their jobs done. There’s gold in here!

4) Deep work. I’ve got so much data now that I’ve gotta make sense of it all.

I need to determine a strategic direction, product vision, and how I'll measure it all.

I also need to tie it to the big picture.

Mentally, it goes like this:

I have NO ideas. I worry. I’ll never come up with something compelling!

Oh wait, inspiration has struck! I have many ideas! It all clicks. I write things down. It makes sense. I build on what I’ve got.

This is good! I get excited.

5) Socialize this direction with trusted colleagues. I float my ideas, test the waters.

I iterate! It’s all part of the process.

All feedback is good!

Emotionally, these are the moments of truth.

Sharing an initial vision, product strategy, roadmap, and goals is one of the scariest things you do as a product person.

Here’s where I learn about any drawbacks I haven't thought of.

It’s ok though, because I’ve created a safe space for myself here. Since I’ve met with everyone already, I’ve started building trust.

I’m asking for feedback. I listen for pushback and figure out why that is.

There’s gold in here too.

6) Socialize broadly with a plan. Maybe I call it a draft. Here I'm ripping off the band-aid and getting it all out there.

This feels similarly emotionally but it’s easier since I’ve done it already. There’s more feedback but somehow it’s easier to work with.

7) Gain approval to move forward.

This might be a formal checkpoint or a report of progress. Regardless, someone’s gotta say yes on the direction.

But since I’ve done my due diligence I’m feeling pretty confident.

And that's how I navigate discovery, stakeholder management, and the emotional process of the work.

Discovery Recap:

1) Data gathering and use the product
2) Listening tour with colleagues
3) User interviews
4) Deep work
5) Socialize direction with trusted colleagues
6) Socialize broadly and state a plan
7) Gain approval to move forward

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