Great product decisions don’t just happen, they’re crafted with careful thought and strategy.

In this episode of Product Confidential, Phil Hornby, a seasoned product leader, dives into the critical aspects of product management, with a focus on decision-making and how AI is reshaping these processes. He reflects on the evolution of his book and the importance of thoughtful decision-making that balances data, evidence, and intuition. Phil also highlights the role of human accountability in decision-making, even as AI tools become more prevalent. He discusses the shift from feature-based to problem-based roadmaps, the need for tailored roadmaps to meet diverse audience needs, and the efficiency of streamlined roadmapping processes. Additionally, Phil emphasizes the value of discovery roadmaps in managing uncertainty and ensuring clarity throughout product development.

Takeaways

✅ Making a good product requires extensive discovery and research.

✅ AI will become a standard tool in product management, but human decision-making remains crucial.

✅ High-quality decisions are more important than labeling decisions as good or bad.

✅ Data alone does not inform decisions; it must be interpreted alongside evidence and intuition.

✅ Reflection on past decisions is key to improving decision-making skills.

✅ Different organizations may prioritise intuition or data differently in their decision-making processes.

✅ Combining data, anecdotes, and intuition leads to better decision-making outcomes.

✅ The role of product managers will evolve as AI tools enhance productivity. Understanding your own emotions versus intuition is crucial.

✅ Explicit thinking helps in making informed decisions.

✅ Roadmaps should evolve from features to problems.

✅ Tailoring roadmaps for different audiences enhances communication.

✅ Efficient roadmapping should not consume excessive time.

✅ Discovery roadmaps help clarify the unknowns in product development.

✅ Visual storytelling can improve roadmap engagement.

✅ Different views of roadmaps cater to various stakeholders.

✅ Aligning roadmaps with strategic goals is essential for success.

✅ Choosing the right tools for the conversation is key.

Books mentioned:

✨ Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish: https://a.co/d/fqtrIO1

✨ Data Story by Nancy Duarte: https://a.co/d/cI22QNS

Find Phil Hornby here:

Website: https://www.forproductpeople.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philhornby/

Read Phil's book:

It Depends: https://www.forproductpeople.com/content/books/it-depends

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps others discover Product Confidential! 🎧✨