What Product Managers Get Wrong About UX

The Product Porch

Are you struggling to navigate the overlap between Product Management and User Experience roles?

In this episode of The Product Porch, we dig into the common friction between PMs and UX Teams, starting with a question from a listener about role clarity. We explore where the two roles typically overlap—like discovery—and discuss how both contribute unique value to solving problems. You’ll hear about prioritization techniques like the “IFD” method, the importance of team working agreements, and practical steps to align goals and avoid silos.

We also dive into what makes a great UX Designer, share examples of UX antipatterns, and discuss how to foster better collaboration by understanding each other’s strengths. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a stronger partnership with your UX team, this episode will give you ideas you can put into action.

References & Links:

Prioritizing Problems- the IFD model
https://medium.com/management-matters/prioritize-your-problems-now-with-the-intensity-frequency-matrix-481ec156eeca

Todd's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-blaquiere-mba-42a1262b/
Joe's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephghali/
Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantcantwell/

Show Notes: Episode 16 - What Product Managers Get Wrong About UX

[1:01] Listener Question
A UX friend of the Porch, Holiday, asks if we have ever dealt with the overlap between UX and Product Management responsibilities, highlighting the need for role clarity.

[4:00] Sarcasm from Ryan
Ryan jokingly claims there is "never" any overlap of roles within product management, underscoring the ambiguity in the PM role and UX role.

[4:30] Clarifying Roles
Discussion about the distinctions and clarity between UX and UI roles, emphasizing the role of UX in design and research.

[7:30] Discovery Overlap
Emphasis on discovery as a key area where the role of the product manager and UX roles often overlap, showcasing their shared focus on user needs.

[8:34] The Value of Discovery
Exploring the unique contributions of PM roles and UX roles in the discovery process, with a focus on UX research and market insights.

[11:39] Prioritizing Problems
Todd poses an important question for UX leaders: How do you prioritize problems within the UX design and product framework?

[12:01] Ryan's "IFD" Method
Ryan introduces his favorite "problem" prioritization framework, "IFD." (Details in show notes.) This method is applied to both the PM role and the role of UX in problem-solving.

[14:30] Market and Personas
Todd highlights the value PMs bring to problem discussions through their understanding of market needs and personas, complementing the insights from UX research.

[17:25] Joe's Apology
Joe apologizes to Elise, his best UX friend ever, for any oversight of the vital role of UX in product success.

[18:20] Strengthening Relationships
How to open the door to building a stronger relationship between Product Management and UX roles, focusing on role clarity and mutual respect.

[19:30] What Makes a Great UX Designer
Characteristics and traits of an effective UX designer, highlighting the importance of collaboration with the PM role.

[21:20] Integrating UX into Product Teams
Should UX be fully integrated within the product team? Todd finds it hard to disagree with Joe, noting that aligning the PM role and the UX role can improve outcomes.

[23:00] Aligned Objectives
Todd argues why UX roles should roll up into the same team as Product Management to ensure aligned business objectives and outcomes.

[24:00] Techniques for Alignment
Discussion of strategies for aligning PM and UX roles and helping them better understand each other’s responsibilities and contributions.

[25:45] Team Working Agreements
Joe introduces the concept of Team Working Agreements to set clear expectations and accountabilities, ensuring role clarity and collaboration.

[28:00] Avoiding Silos
Exploring how culture influences the prevention of PM and UX silos, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration between these roles.

[30:00] Advocacy for Roles
Discussion on how PMs and UX teams can effectively advocate for their respective roles and contributions.

[34:17] Lightning Round - UX Antipatterns
A rapid-fire segment on common UX antipatterns to watch out for, focusing on their impact on the UX role and product outcomes.

[35:10] Ideal Team Setups
Todd discusses his "Discovery Squad" concept as an example of an ideal setup between UX and PM roles, emphasizing collaborative discovery.

[37:10] Discovery Backlog
Ryan introduces the idea of a shared "Discovery Backlog" for PMs and UX designers, highlighting its value in aligning priorities and fostering role clarity.

[38:00] Key Takeaways
Building strong relationships between PMs and UX teams starts with making friends, learning each other's strengths, and collaborating effectively, while ensuring clarity in their respective roles.

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