Prodsnap Chapter #8: Lean Product Development– Building Smart with Limited Resources
Ravi Barnwal
Product Manager-IBM-Software Labs || Gold Medal Best Student- IIM BG ||Ex-KPMG, Maruti Suzuki, Infosys || CSPO? || Youth Delegate to China
In product development, it's natural to get excited about a big idea that could reach thousands or even millions. But how do we know if that idea holds real value without using all our resources? This is where the Lean philosophy shines. Lean is a practice focused on eliminating unnecessary steps, costs, or work until we know there's a solid demand.
The Lean Philosophy: Start Simple, Build as You Grow
Lean encourages smart, resource-conserving decisions that allow you to validate a concept in the simplest, most cost-effective way possible before scaling up.
Example: A Tutoring Service Startup
Imagine you have an idea for a personalized online tutoring service. The traditional route might involve creating a website, setting up booking software, hiring additional tutors, and running a social media campaign. But the Lean approach suggests a different path, one where you validate demand and work out the kinks before going all-in, In a product management terms we may call it as a MVP i.e Minimum viable product. We will be covering more details on this in future newsletters.
Here’s a Lean approach to starting this tutoring business:
By following this approach, you've avoided unnecessary costs and technical investments upfront. Let’s say the demand increases, and you no longer have the time to conduct sessions personally. This is when Lean principles guide you to start expanding by hiring more tutors or building a website when it’s essential.
Lean: Beyond Software and Startups
While Lean principles are often associated with software development, they apply to nearly any business model. From tutoring to personal training, the Lean philosophy emphasizes validating user demand before scaling, making it especially valuable for startups and product managers on tight budgets.
Lean vs. Agile: A Quick Comparison
Lean and Agile share some values, but they’re not the same. Lean focuses on resource efficiency and reducing waste. Agile, on the other hand, is an iterative approach specific to software development, with structured cycles like sprints to continually develop and refine products. We will be covering Agile in an upcoming newsletter.
In the tutoring example, Lean’s minimalist approach is more appropriate for proving the concept with minimal investment before committing resources.
Recommended Reading: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
For more insights, The Lean Startup is a fantastic guide to implementing Lean principles. From testing your idea without hefty investments to learning when to pivot, Ries’s book provides actionable steps for product managers looking to apply Lean effectively. If you want to read this amazing book. Do message me.
The Lean approach allows you to make incremental steps, ensuring each one aligns with real demand before making larger investments. Whether in tech, education, or beyond, Lean thinking can make a big impact on both your budget and your business.
#ProductManagement #Lean #TheLeanStartup #StartupTips #Prodsnap #ProductDevelopment
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