Boxes And Arrows : The Design Behind the Design

I had the pleasure of talking with Jeff Lash and Chris Baum on their two part article, Transitioning from User Experience to Product Manager. We talk about how more and more UX professionals are looking at taking on the role of a product manager.

This is a valuable conversation for those looking to make a change in careers; an honest discussion about the pros and cons of each profession.

We discuss:

Product Vision – The importance of creating a vision and educating others about it.

We discuss the Product Management Vision framework discussed in their article and how creating and educating others about the vision for a product is a key aspect of the Product Manager’s role.

UX vs. Product Management: Responsibility, Focus, and Reliance

Jeff and Chris discuss the following elements that outline the three central differences between the UX professional and Product Manager:

a. Responsibility
b. Focus
c. Reliance

Coach vs. Tyrant

We also discuss the importance of conflict management and how the product manager acts more like a coach in getting the team to move towards the same goal. Understanding both the market and the user are key aspects of the product manager. In essence, the Product manager has to not only “make the Kool-Aid”, they have to drink it as well.

All Responsibility, No Power, So Listen!

Jeff and Chris provide a realistic definition of a Product Manager as someone who has all of the responsibility and none of the power. They go onto to discuss the need of the product manager to listen carefully to not only their team, but also how to lead without authority. As well, the importance of knowing where your product can fit with all other products offered by the company.

Let Go of the Details

Chris talks about the importance of realizing that as a Product Manager your role shouldn’t be focusing on the UI in creating Wire Frames and Site Maps. As a Product Manager your role is to see the bigger picture and provide the vision and clear direction for your team.

IA Summit Presentation Recap

Jeff and Chris discuss the presentation they gave at the 2007 IA Summit in Las Vegas.

Other notes:

Check out these great blogs on Product Management:

Pragmatic Marketing
SVPG Blog
The Product Management View
Tyner Blain
Michael on Product Management & Marketing