Explore

Insights-Driven Strategy

Explore

The Explore phase kicks off the product strategy development process. Using a human-centered approach, we conduct extensive primary and secondary research to create a funnel of insights gained from extensive interviews and market research. In collaboration with the client team, we interpret and analyze these findings to begin to translate insights into actionable ideas that address emerging product opportunities.

The goal of research at the front end, or beginning, of the product development process, is to understand customers’ needs, wants, and frustrations, and how they might be better served by a net new or refined product. These exploratory research methods uncover tangible, useful information that quickly becomes opportunities.

Trend Analysis:

Trend analysis provides a snapshot of industry and customer trends. Comprehensive analysis of micro and macro megatrends, consumer perception of value, industry cost drivers and the overall evolution of the industry uncover key insights and provide important context for idea generation.

  • What are the short, medium and long-term consumer, technology and market trends?
  • How are customer needs and interests changing?
  • What is happening in the market that is increasing or decreasing demand for similar offerings?
  • What are the major threats and opportunities shaping your industry?
A board with a product development chart and post-it notes

Competitive Landscape Assessment:

Competitive landscape assessments provide a snapshot of the key players in your market, their product offerings as well as the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats they present.

  • What is the overall market outlook?
  • Who are your main competitors?
  • What are their strengths and weaknesses?
  • How do they market themselves to their customers?
  • Is there a threat of new entrants in our space?

 

User Research:

User research provides an in depth understanding of customers’ wants, needs and demands, and how they can influence product strategies. Our primary research techniques reveal the gap between what a customer desires and what a company currently offers and informs insights into product opportunities.

  • Who are our customers?
  • How are they performing tasks?
  • What pain points are they facing?
  • What excites them?
  • What other products are they using that perform these tasks?