How can you create a diverse and inclusive product portfolio using R&D?

Crafting an inclusive product tapestry through R&D is akin to painting a vibrant mural that resonates with diverse audiences. Start by unraveling the kaleidoscope of target markets; don't just pinpoint, empathize. Understand them like chapters in a novel, each with its unique narrative. This isn't market identification; it's a cultural symphony where R&D becomes the brush, blending insights into a masterpiece. In the canvas of inclusion, identifying target markets isn't a task; it's the poetic brushstroke that transforms your product portfolio into a resonant, diverse narrative—a tale where every consumer feels seen, heard, and embraced.

In my experience, before identifying target markets it is key for any company to align on their brand strategy. For example, leadership needs to align on how the brand shows up to customers (and potential customers). A company would first develop several different brand elements like voice, storytelling, brand identity, brand values, and overall brand image. Based on the developed company vision/definition, then it will be easier to target the appropriate markets.

As a Product Manager, I championed diversity and inclusion in our product portfolio by embedding these principles into our R&D processes. First, ensure a diverse team, bringing varied perspectives to the ideation table. For instance, in a project targeting global markets, our diverse team helped shape features that catered to different cultural preferences. Implement user testing with a focus on inclusivity, addressing accessibility concerns, and ensuring all users have a seamless experience. Regularly review data through a diversity lens, such as analyzing user demographics, to spot any gaps in inclusivity. Lastly, foster an inclusive culture within the team, encouraging open discussions and valuing diverse viewpoints.

Lean canvas is simple in it's structure but it is the best approach to validate your product idea including target market, unique value proposition and key metrics on a single page. I have seen even people who are doing research and development on a product are unable to complete Lean canvas in a sitting. If you can protect your idea/product theoretically with a framework, the chances of success are better.

Creating a diverse and inclusive product portfolio using R&D starts with identifying your target markets, which is like casting a wide net to understand the varied fish in the sea. It's essential to look beyond the usual demographics and consider diverse user groups, including those often overlooked. In our R&D for the e-commerce solution, we expanded our focus to include not just mainstream markets but also niche segments, which might have unique needs. By identifying a broad spectrum of target markets, you ensure your product portfolio is inclusive and appeals to a diverse customer base.

Exploring strategic partnerships or collaborations with external organizations, research institutions, or startups goes a long way. Collaborative efforts can bring fresh perspectives and accelerate innovation. By incorporating this into your R&D strategy, you can systematically enhance your product portfolio, drive innovation, and position your organization for sustained growth and competitiveness

To develop solutions that resonate with and cater to the needs of the Diversity & Inclusion community, start to engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds who can champion these changes and ensure their implementation by involving influential stakeholders and represent diverse perspectives. For example, as a product manager, you can reach out to employee resource groups, diversity committees, or external organizations focused on diversity and inclusion. By collaborating with these groups and seeking their feedback, you can gain insights into their pain points, ideas, and perspectives of the community to create relevant and appealing products that are helpful to the community.

the success of product lies in the team. Engage with different stakeholders from divers backgrounds and knowledge domains to gather different perspectives. Every person carries different experiences and learnings and those learnings will help in better implementation and great product.

Involving diverse stakeholders in R&D is like gathering a mosaic of perspectives – each unique piece contributes to a more complete and inclusive picture. This diversity can come from different cultural backgrounds, genders, ages, abilities, and professional experiences. In developing our e-commerce solution, we actively sought input from a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that our product development wasn't happening in an echo chamber. It’s like a chef consulting with diners from different regions to create a universally appealing menu. This practice enriches the R&D process, leading to a product portfolio that is not only diverse but also resonant with a wider audience.

Incorporating a wide range of perspectives in the R&D process is crucial for creating products that resonate with a diverse audience. For instance, when Adobe redesigned its Creative Cloud suite, they extensively consulted with creative professionals from various backgrounds. This approach not only enriched the design process but also ensured that the final product catered to a broader spectrum of user needs and preferences. Similarly, engaging with stakeholders from different demographic segments, like age, gender, culture, and professional expertise, can uncover unique challenges and opportunities. This diversity of thought leads to innovative solutions, making products technically sound and also culturally relevant and user-friendly.

Product Ideas are basically just assumptions until it is backed up with data / results. To back up a product idea, you need to ask questions. The curiosity helps us figure out whether the product is helping out its users. Gather much information possible to verify if your idea is working. An example, You walk into a restaurant to try a Chettinad meal. You selected the restaurant based on its 4 star rating. Your taste buds craves for a spicy meal. You checked out the Menu, with a budget. Considering these factors you place an order. At the end, the result is what matters. there’s a lot of information you’ve collected that’s gonna help validate if the food experience was good. Same thing with Product ideas - Validate them all the way!

The emphasis on testing and validation using various techniques, coupled with comprehensive data analysis, is a sound approach to product development. This iterative process allows for continuous improvement, aligning products more closely with user needs and market dynamics. Moreover, the consideration of diversity and inclusion is vital for building products that resonate with a diverse audience.

However, a product manager must ensure product testing and validation through diverse product management approaches, emphasizing the crucial factor of time to market. Opt for an agile model over extensive testing for swift product or feature releases, enabling timely iterations and thorough result evaluations.

This step involves rigorous testing with diverse user groups to ensure that the product meets a wide range of needs and preferences. For our e-commerce solution, we conducted user testing sessions with people from various backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.This thorough testing and validation process helps ensure that the final products are not only functionally robust but also universally accessible and appealing.

Continuous improvement is vital; monitor trends, adapt to changing preferences, and address gaps. Sharing successes and lessons amplifies your stance on diversity and inclusion, fostering industry leadership and collaboration.

It involves considering a broad range of perspectives during the development process. Actively seek input from people with diverse backgrounds, conduct inclusive user testing, and prioritize features that cater to a wide audience. Emphasize diversity in your R&D team to ensure varied viewpoints are considered, fostering innovation and inclusivity in product design. Regularly review and analyze your product offerings to identify areas for improvement in terms of diversity and inclusivity.

It is important to consider SWOT analysis during R&D of your product along with SWOT analysis of other competitors. As a product owner/manager we should know our product first before validating it from customers.

The key to a diverse and inclusive product portfolio is by studying user personas across various demographics, market research, SWOT and competitive analysis. These activities help your company identify the untapped opportunities in the market and trying to identify the right problem statement through R&D takes you even closed to your goal and makes sure you have started on the right track.

Create a diverse and inclusive product portfolio in R&D by forming a diverse team, seeking input from various stakeholders, and applying inclusive design principles. Prioritize research into underrepresented markets, regularly review inclusivity, and iterate based on feedback to ensure a product portfolio that resonates with a broad audience. #ahmedalaali11