Understanding the problem

Be it design or strategy or any other discussion that leads to product decisions being made, it’s critical that the team is aligned on the basics of the problem being solved.

A few questions to have clarity on below. Note, these questions are great to think through (as relevant) for design or strategy questions during PM interviews as well.

1. What is the problem? How big? Is this the one of the biggest problems in this space/workflow currently?
2. What is the core purpose of the product? (describe with one word, if possible)

Eg: netflix=> entertainment; uber => transportation; shopping cart => convenience

A slight variant of this question – why do users use this product?

3. What is the business driver? Why are we doing this? If a product already exists, what’s wrong with the existing product?

4. Does it align with the company’s mission? Does it leverage the company’s strengths?

5. Who are the target users?

6. What is the target addressable market? What % of the market share is taken up by competitors currently?

7. What differentiates this product if it is a crowded, commoditized space? A unique business model? service/experience provided?

8. Depending on answers for the above, is there a better product we can build that can have a larger impact?