What I've Learned About Edge Cases in Product Development

In the world of product development, an edge case is a scenario that falls outside the normal range of inputs, conditions, or parameters that a product or service typically handles. In simpler terms, it's a rare, unusual, or unforeseen situation. However, don't be fooled by the term "edge"; these cases can range from minor annoyances to catastrophic failures and can significantly impact the success of your product.

My recent realization about the importance of considering edge cases came during a discussion with Fatemeh Khorram . She pointed out that when I propose new features or solutions, I often don't pay enough attention to these crucial but overlooked scenarios. This led me to dive deeper into the concept of edge cases.

I began by Googling the term "Edge Case" and found a succinct definition that resonated with me. But I knew I needed more than just a definition; I needed practical insights. So, I reached out to some of my connections in the FinTech industry, and three of them graciously shared their wisdom with me. Here's what I've learned, organized into two sections: what to look for when analyzing edge cases and how to evaluate potential solutions.

What to Look For:

1. Impact on Other Product Sections and Departments: Consider how proposed solutions may affect other sections of your product and different departments within your organization. For instance, in the FinTech sector, ensuring the accurate display of information is often a core principle for users. Make sure your solution aligns with these principles.
2. Comprehensive Solutions: Double or even triple-check the comprehensiveness of your solutions. For example, when developing an API that provides open access to a part of your users' information, think about security, privacy, usability, reliability, and other non-functional requirements.
3. Different Angles: Look at your solution from multiple angles, especially considering non-functional requirements such as security, privacy, usability, and reliability. This thorough examination can uncover potential issues that might be missed when focusing solely on functional aspects.

How to Evaluate:

1. Analyze User Data: Dive into user data to identify patterns and extreme behaviors. This data-driven approach can help you anticipate edge cases and design solutions that address them proactively.
2. Collaboration with Diverse Experts: Involve experts from different domains and backgrounds during various stages of discovery, design, or development. For example, when designing a transaction adjustment solution, consult with financial, legal, operational, and engineering experts. Their varied perspectives can help uncover edge cases you might not have considered.
3. Seek Wisdom from Industry Veterans: Recognize that analyzing edge cases often requires a deep intuition that comes with experience. Start by consulting senior experts in your industry to gain valuable insights. Additionally, immerse yourself in your industry to strengthen your intuition over time.

Real-World Example - Ride-Sharing Surge Pricing:

Consider the world of ride-sharing services. Surge pricing during peak hours is a well-known edge case. While it's designed to balance supply and demand, mishandling it can lead to customer dissatisfaction. Effective management of this edge case requires a deep understanding of user behavior, real-time data analysis, and dynamic pricing algorithms.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to Hassan Mokhtarian , Soroush Alavi , and Hassan Zanjani , who generously shared their expertise and helped me gain a deeper understanding of the importance of considering edge cases. As a product manager in the FinTech industry, embracing this mindset shift has already started to positively impact my approach to problem-solving and product development.