Product Pillar 1: Research (Know)

How In-Depth Research Drives Informed Decisions and Innovation

May 14, 2025

The Foundation of Great Product Management

Product management begins with research. PMs need to gather information and develop a deep understanding of users, data, the business, and the industry landscape. The purpose is simple: to provide insights that inform decisions and fuel innovation.

Key Areas of Research

Know Users - Understand user behaviors and motivations. Why are they doing what they do?

Know Data - Dive into usage data, revenue data, and changes over time. What does the data tell you?

Know Business - Learn how the business operates, its revenue model, and long-term vision and strategy. How does the product fit into the business model?

Know Industry - Keep up with competitive trends, industry news, and emerging technologies.

Know Product - Develop an expert understanding of how your product works.

Knowledge Provides Insights

Research isn't just about gathering information—it’s about translating knowledge into actionable insights. These insights become the foundation for making informed decisions throughout the product lifecycle.

Effective Sources of Insights:

Strategic Context (Vision, Mission, Health Metrics, Principles)
Quantitative Insights (e.g., usage, revenue, and health metrics)
Qualitative Insights (e.g., user interviews, surveys)
1. Evaluative - What did we learn from testing?
2. Generative - Did we uncover any new opportunities?
Technology Insights
Industry Insights

Product Management Competencies Under RESEARCH:

Data Knowledge
User Knowledge
Business Knowledge
Industry Knowledge
Product Knowledge

Conclusion

Futuristic digital illustration of an open book with a rocket ship launching from its pages, surrounded by stylized exhaust clouds. A magnifying glass hovers to the right, examining the scene. The artwork uses a modern color palette with clean lines, symbolizing how research leads to exploration, discovery, and the launching of new ideas.

By prioritizing research, product managers can lay a solid foundation for their product development efforts. Understanding users, data, business dynamics, industry trends, and the product itself is not just beneficial—it’s essential for driving innovation and ensuring the success of a product. The insights gained through thorough research empower PMs to make informed decisions and pave the way for a product that truly resonates with its audience. As we continue to explore the pillars of product management, remember that research is the bedrock upon which all effective strategies and tactics are built.