I thought it was a good idea
the hazards of product management
Mike Sniezek
or how not to build something nobody wants
hypothesisMothers have trouble getting their babies adequate fresh air and sunshine. Particularly in urban areas.
hypothesishave more than one and make it your job to try and disprove them.
What a great idea!
investigate
Ask open ended questions to find out if you are solving a real problem and to investigate if there are other problems.
Questions
Does your baby like fresh air? (not open ended)
Does your baby get enough fresh air? (not open ended)
Would you hang your baby out of the window in a steel cage? (never asked because it sounds awful)
What are the biggest problems you have taking care of your baby?
Listen – Number one answer – constantly washing diapers
proofNothing wrong in going back to the drawing board – the earlier the better
ask a lot of potential users
they want a solution to all those diapers
market
Are they ready to pay for it and how many?
Will the user pay for it or someone else?
Who will object and why?
pass or fail
A problem
A solution
A user
A buyer
A cost benefit
features through testing
market ready
keep listening – problems changePros of reusable:• Significantly cheaper• Create less trash• Children learn to use the
toilet about three months sooner
Cons of reusable:• More hands-on poop time• Extra laundry• Added costs for laundry
detergent, water, and electricity or gas
Pros of disposable:• Easier to travel with because
finding a washer dryer is not a concern
• Refresh your supply at any superstore, warehouse, drugstore or grocer
Cons of disposable:• More expensive• Each child creates a half ton of
diaper garbage per year that goes into a landfill
• Either way, that’s a lot of smelly diapers.
Oh yeah that more sunshine problem
Do you run or walk?
www.mikesniezek.com