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- Break that glass ceiling
GHello Fellow PMs!
Hi! Today, I want to discuss something that isn't talked about much - the product glass ceiling.
Picture this: you've got this bright idea for a product, right?
You've done your homework, conducted market research, and even had those enlightening chats with potential users.
Everything looks great, just as it should be!
You start building that dream product, and take it out into the wild, seeking feedback from early customers. And guess what? It's a hit!
But then, out of nowhere, the momentum slows down, and you find yourself at a loss for how to move forward.
Does this scenario ring any bells? If so, fear not! It’s about the Innovation curve.
We're going to unpack this next phase of product growth
Let’s dive into it.
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Table of Contents
The Innovation Curve Paradox
The paradox of the innovation curve is that while introducing new ideas and features can initially boost growth and excitement, over time, those changes may become less effective as the market saturates or customer preferences shift.
So, it's important to come up with new ideas and adjust your product strategy to stay ahead, but only making changes all the time might not always lead to long-term success.
The key is to find a balance between being innovative and staying stable to handle this challenge.
Here’s a clear framework to uncover the issue and adjust your product strategy.
Acknowledging the Problem
You've followed the playbook to a tee, yet suddenly, your product hits a wall.
What gives?
Well, congratulations – you've encountered your product's glass ceiling.
It's a common pitfall in the journey of every product, so don't beat yourself up.
It's just a part of the game.
Understanding the Cause
So, why does this product glass ceiling exist?
Simple – your product was tailor-made for your early adopters, those trusty souls who hopped on board from the get-go.
But now, you're facing a different breed of customers – ones who don't have that personal connection with you and aren't as tech-savvy.
The features you're shipping or the ones you already shipped aren't hitting the mark, and you're sinking deeper into the abyss.
At this point, some design sessions will be required to shake things up. Use those extreme brainstorming questions to start breaking through.