Product Thinking Newsletter - January Edition

Happy New Year! Now, what are you going to do with it?

In a world where tomorrow can arrive before lunchtime, is “comfortable” something you really want to be in 2025? I’d argue this year begs a bigger question: Are we pushing the envelope or merely using it for support? Boundaries blur by the hour, making the impossible feel slightly less so. We have the power to rethink our assumptions, solve problems in unexpected ways, and transform passing moments into lasting impressions.?

January’s content dives into how bold innovation is shaping industries today. We’ll explore how digital products are redefining retail banking, giving you a front-row seat to the transformations underway. Then, take a closer look at how IMC Group and Thoughtworks partnered to amplify Pizza Hut’s revenue through a revolutionary food service and data platform—proof that impactful solutions can be tasty, both literally and figuratively. Finally, we’ve got a podcast about Air Canada’s product innovation journey, showing how a major airline reimagined its customer experience from the ground up.?

Whatever your product and customer experience goals are, I hope this curation of content helps. But before you dive into that, let’s not forget…?

The Month in Tech and Product History: January Edition!

1. Hewlett and Packard joined forces in a cramped garage, fanning the legend that every tech giant is born among spare parts, a handshake, and questionable acoustics. (January 1, 1939)
2. Apple Computer Inc. went legit, transforming three dreamers into a real corporation—and giving the garage a fond farewell. (January 3, 1977)
3. Bitcoin’s genesis block emerged, pushing cryptocurrency from cryptic code to global conversation—and prompting everyone to watch their digital piggy banks. (January 3, 2009)
4. Steve Jobs raised the first iPhone, proving one sleek slab could juggle calls, music, and awkward selfies—kickstarting our screen obsession. (January 9, 2007)
5. iTunes rolled out, gifting fans a digital jukebox and making vinyl purists wonder, “Where’d my liner notes go?” (January 9, 2001)
6. The original Macintosh took the spotlight, greeting the world with a friendly “hello” and ushering in personal computing with flair. (January 24, 1984)
7. Lego locked down its iconic brick patent, guaranteeing a future of infinite builds—and a few curse words when you step on them. (January 28, 1958)
8. Wikipedia threw open its doors, letting every keyboard-wielding user become an encyclopedia contributor—while “citation needed” became the rallying cry. (January 15, 2001)
9. Netflix activated streaming, launching the binge era—and daring us to remember the outside world. (January 16, 2007)
10. BlackBerry earned its fruity name, convincing office dwellers that a tactile keyboard could conquer email—and excuse them from dinner chat. (January 19, 1999)

Now, onto the content.?

Thanks again, everyone, and remember, be kind.?

Chris

January's Content

Investing in innovation: How digital products are redefining retail banking experiences

How are retail banks revolutionizing their operations to deliver compelling digital products? This whitepaper offers valuable insights to help reshape banking experiences. Explore key investment areas, uncover the transformative role of AI in enhancing customer engagement, address the challenges of digital product delivery, and much more.

Helping Pizza Hut’s revenue rise through an innovative food service and data platform

Discover how IMC Group teamed up with Thoughtworks to revolutionize their food service platform. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies, they boosted revenue, streamlined operations, and significantly improved the customer experience, setting new standards in the industry.

Product innovation: Charting your own course (Podcast)

Discover how Air Canada successfully transformed its customer experience and internal operations through innovative product solutions, enhancing the travel journey and streamlining processes to better meet the needs of both passengers and employees.