The Inspired Book product discovery has really ‘inspired’ its audience. The legend of product management, Marty Cagan, authors this book. Inspired Book product discovery is a series of editions. The first edition was published in 2008.
Since then, this book has proved to be a phenomenon. Most especially for product managers and alike.
Why Is This A Must-Read?
First of all, this book is written by the famous Marty Cagan. Who is a ‘product discovery guru’. This is truly influential even through the pages of his book. The book goes into detail about product discovery.
One more essential feature of this book is its detail about the characteristics of a product manager. Great product managers do not happen by chance. But it goes with a blend of passion and some characteristics.
Moreover, the book also highlights how these product managers should manage. Most specifically with the structuring, recruiting, and managing the whole product team.
As you can see, Marty is a passionate guru in product discovery. And this flows into his writing. However, there is so much more to be found in this book. Let us further highlight some of the key principles included. Yes, lessons of product discovery from Marty Cagan. That you should certainly not miss.
Gleanings From The Inspired Book
Great Products Are Not By Accident
If you’re someone who believes in ‘destiny’ or so-called ‘luck’. Then that is something this book does not believe in.
Marty always highlights this main point in his book. Moreover, great products are of great design. Some relevant points from this are as what the following speaks.
- The product manager’s main goal is to discover a product that is valuable, usable, and feasible.
- A great product discovery comes from a team’s effort. Thus, an effective collaboration by the product manager. As well as the software architect and designer.
- User experience design is the most vital. And also the most difficult. Yes, even more, difficult and vital than engineering.
- There are two things inclusive of user experience design. First, interaction design. The second, visual design. Moreover, if it is with hardware devices. It should be an industrial design
Above all, the Product Manager has a wide scope of duty with success. Most specifically, in the assessment of product opportunities. Also, in the definition of potential products.
Build The Right Product & Building That Product Right
This is another great point of the book. Here is when Marty marks the difference between the two.
Product managers are more concerned with defining solutions. However, the engineers are the ones responsible for ‘building that right’. That is because they are the brains of product building. They know the feasibility of the product. Thus, engineers are the key to delivering great product solutions.
Great Product Managers
Qualities of a great product manager are further defined in the sixth chapter of the book. The following are some of his lists.
- Passionate about good products
- Empathetic with the customers
- An intelligent problem solver
- Good personal relationships
- Time-disciplined
