The point of defining the appropriate functions

A significant number of product managers believe that it is a serious challenge to conduct market research that can actually tell whether end users really need the features of their product.

The point of defining the appropriate functions is therefore to ensure the optimal operation of the product. To have a product perform on the market with optimal results, it must meet several conditions – most of which can be measured, analyzed, and precisely determined.

Factors that are considered subjective and random, such as user taste, or a decision made simply based on emotions can actually all be accurately tracked.

Defining the appropriate functions for Ergomania

Determining the appropriate functions is a complex process that uses several methods to prioritize functions such as the Kano model, various Mental models, market research, and so on.

During the definition phase, our specialists use scientifically structured, data-driven and proven methods in practice.

The main methods for determining the appropriate functions

Ergomania experts use sophisticated, high-level research and methodologies combined with simpler, easily accessible methods to determine the appropriate functions:

• Mental models (primarily the 2008 Indi Young method) that allow us to select functions for the regular needs of users
• Kano model – this is used to measure client preferences and classifies client preferences into five categories
• Journaled research, which shows how much users engage with each feature compared with how much the feature was intended to be engaged with.

What our clients gain by defining the right features?

The most important gain for our clients is a new product optimized with scientific accuracy, meeting real user needs and performing as expected. The product will only include the features that are needed and attractive to our clients.

By focusing on the lows of client journeys and managing real situations and problems in a structured way, we create real value instead of covering up problems. Overall, we are (re)designing a product to have the exact features the way users need and want them.

What is the role of our clients in defining the appropriate functions?

It is important for our clients to provide us with three types of information for us to conduct the function definition process:

1. Data gained during preliminary research
2. Well-defined business goals and client expectations
3. Financial and IT prospects and constraints

The result of a successful definition of the appropriate functions

Successful function determination also has two tangible results:

1. Prioritized and weighted function list definitions
2. In the case of segmented implementation, a well-defined MVP