Are Architecture and Product Management more similar to each other than we realize?

Idea Generation and Concept Development-

When one starts with ideation and concept development an architect, or a product manager tend to find the underlying problem with the client or a target market that the building or product can be a solution to. These problems may oscillate from wanting a studio apartment for an artist or a house cum hospital for a doctor to a payment app which connect banks and consumers or a shoe cleaning device for gyms.

Once the problem that will be solved or the value that will be added is identified the architect or the product manager start to develop the idea or concept. The concept development involves building up the functional as well as the aesthetic parameters of a building or a product.

Market Research-

In market research an architect turns to case studies of existing designs for similar user groups to understand the merits and shortcomings of those designs and its impact on the user. Based on these case studies an architect derives the parameters on which they will build their own structure. A Product manager does the same for a product. They try to understand the target market, analyze competitors and existing products in the market to understand the gaps that their product can fill to hold a superior position in the market.

Product Design-

Once the research is done, we dive into design. Architects start with a skeletal design or line drawings of the spaces where they use photographs to visualize the room spaces. They then move onto double line drawings, elevations and sections, 3D views to understand the spaces in all dimensions. Same goes for product managers where they chart out a single line design of an app or a product and then start populating that app or product with feasible features. Once the overall design is done, we move on to UX/UI design and deciding the material usage to come upon a finished product.

Prototyping and Testing-

Testing of a building involves checking with the structural and services experts on all factors related to the building. There is strength testing and heavy calculations to determine the structural stability of the structure considering its dead load and live load. This process is a part of the design process as aesthetics and stability and safety go hand in hand. The product manager builds prototypes of the product and tests out the design and functionality to identify spaces of improvement. The product is tested for ease of use, ease of adoption, clearer flowchart of the functions, and durability.

Materials and Manufacturing-

In a building the materials are decided based on the location of the site, the aesthetic value the user is trying to showcase in the structure (minimalistic, exposed concrete, etc.,), the architect also considers the construction methodology of constructing the structure. This all constitutes as a part of the design phase. A product manager is faced with the challenges of assigning proper material to make the product economically viable, user friendly and yet aesthetically pleasing. The product manager must tie up with manufacturers and suppliers of material and components to start the production process which is fast and efficient.

Quality Control-

Quality control in structures is measured on site based on what consistency of concrete is being used, what grade of bricks are being used, how efficient is the skilled and unskilled labor and how meticulously the construction work is being executed. The strength of the concrete is tested by forming cubes on site which are sent in for strength testing. The quality control of a building takes place during the construction. A product manager ensures quality control by vetting the suppliers to obtain high quality materials from them. They also check the manufacturing process by inspection to avoid defects in the product. Both the architect and the product manager ensure that their products are within the regulations and safety standards following the environmental and legal requirements by constructing LEED and GRIHA rated buildings, following the safety protocols, using material that is environment friendly, making sure the product doesn’t omit harmful radiation etc.

Branding-

Many architects create their own brand with their architectural styles like Zaha Hadid. She was known for her magnificent free flowing structures. Product managers when creating a product design, it so that it resonates with the brand of the firm which in turn resonates with its target segment. An elegant rich soap may be targeted to a high-income group segment as an experience altogether, but an economical soap may be positioned to a middle-income group target audience as a 2-in-1 soap.

Distribution and Logistics, Marketing and Promotions-

As an architect distribution and supply of materials and logistics of the transportation is an issue to be handled while executing construction. As a product manager distribution of products to retailers and customers to ensure on time delivery is a challenge. Marketing and promotion for an architect is done through word of mouth or publications of the previous work. As the structure is made for a specific user or organization there is no requirement for marketing but yes, this work also adds into the portfolio of an architect through which they get more work. The product needs to be publicized and its awareness needs to increase hence the product manager runs marketing campaigns through social media, advertisement, influencer partnership etc., to spread word about the product.

Sales and Support-

For both an architect and a product manager sales and customer support comprise of pricing strategy as to how much commission does the architect take for the work, what is the bill of material, what is the construction and consultant cost and how can the architect save costs for its client. For the product manager it boils down to what pricing strategy or subscription policy is to be implemented, what are the sales channels. Both architects and product managers are liable to provide support if there are issues with the structure or the product.