1. What is a Product

In product management and design, the definition of a product is fundamental to understanding how to create solutions that address real problems. A product is not merely a physical or digital object; it is the outcome of a deep understanding of user needs, and its purpose is to solve specific problems. This document will explore the meaning of a product, how it relates to user problems, and the process of abstraction in identifying opportunities for innovative solutions.

A Product is a Solution

At its core, a product is a solution designed to address a problem. When developing a product, the first question any good designer or product manager should ask is, "What problem are we trying to solve?" Without a clear understanding of the problem, the product's purpose becomes unclear.

A product solves a real need. If it does not, it becomes more like art—something meant to inspire or provoke thought rather than to functionally resolve an issue. As Peter Morville's "UX Honeycomb" illustrates, product design must focus on creating a user experience that is valuable, usable, findable, accessible, credible, and desirable. The design of the product should align with its function, not just its form—this concept is summarized by the principle "form follows function."

Products and User Problems

Products arise from the need to address user feelings or experiences. For example, if a user says, "I am tired," this statement reflects a problem, a feeling that something is not right. The solution—a product—must meet the underlying need (in this case, energy or rest). However, as product creators, we should not assume the first solution that comes to mind is the best. There is often a more complex, nuanced understanding of the problem that we need to explore.

Take, for example, a scenario where someone wants to improve a common product, such as an umbrella. The initial idea may be, "Let's design a better umbrella." But this approach limits innovation, as the product already exists and we are simply seeking minor improvements. Instead, by questioning and abstracting the idea, we can uncover deeper problems and opportunities for novel solutions.

The Power of Abstraction in Defining Problems

To truly understand the problem a product is trying to solve, it’s essential to abstract the initial idea. Abstraction involves digging deeper into the problem, questioning the assumptions behind the proposed solution, and uncovering the true motivations and needs.

Let’s consider the example of the umbrella:

• Initial idea: "Let’s design a better umbrella."
• Abstracted idea: "How can we improve the umbrella?"
• Further abstraction: "What do people dislike about umbrellas?"
• Deeper insight: "Is the problem with the umbrella, or is it the experience of commuting in the rain?"

By abstracting the problem, we shift from focusing on the umbrella (the solution) to focusing on the true problem (the need to stay dry in the rain). This opens up opportunities for more innovative solutions—such as raincoats, different types of weather protection, or even architectural solutions like covered walkways.

From Problem to Product

The abstraction process allows us to move from an idea rooted in a single solution to a broad understanding of the problem and the user experience. By focusing on the problem, we can explore various ways to address it, which may lead to entirely new product categories or innovative adaptations of existing ones.

When we understand the real problem, we can design products that offer meaningful value, rather than simply improving on what already exists. This approach fosters creativity, innovation, and, ultimately, better solutions for users.

In summary, a product is a solution to a problem. Effective product design requires a deep understanding of the problem, an openness to exploring new possibilities, and the ability to abstract initial ideas to uncover core issues. By focusing on solving the right problem, we create products that not only meet user needs but also offer real value in their lives.