How do you balance user requests and your product vision?

Question

As makers, we all want to build products that resonate with our users. But sometimes, user requests can take us in directions that don't align with our original vision or roadmap.

How do you strike the right balance between listening to your users and staying true to your product’s long-term vision? Do you have any frameworks or strategies to decide which requests to prioritize?

CY Zhou · Accepted Answer

my 2 cents
1. User requests have nothing to do with products. User needs do. So, understand their real needs. Very often user requests are not valid.
2. If your vision misaligns with a small number of needs, why care?
3. If your vision misaligns with lots of need from your target users, there must be something wrong with your vision.

Varu Dwarak · Answer

We often get derailed and distracted! I think it's important we understand if the purpose of the product is met! If people are very happy with the core functionality, features don't matter the most. Definitely important, but not so soon! So, fix the core rest will fall in place.

Yanlin Wu · Answer

Each product is not designed for everyone. The core is to maintain your long-term goal. You can try to explain your vision to your users. If they still don't get to the point of your product, it simply proves that they may not be the target users. Leave it, do your product, and attract those who resonate with you

hritik choudhary · Answer

Balancing user requests with your product vision can be tricky, but here’s a strategy to help:

1.Stay Focused on the Core: Ensure user requests align with your product's core mission. If they don’t, consider how they can be adapted or deferred.

2.Categorize Requests: Prioritize based on impact—focus on requests that significantly enhance user experience or solve pain points within your vision.

3.Use Data: Analyze user feedback and usage data to identify trends and prioritize features with the highest value.

4.Create a Roadmap: Have a clear roadmap but remain flexible. Regularly revisit it to incorporate important, high-impact requests.

5.Engage Users: Involve your users in the decision-making process through surveys or beta testing. This helps you understand which requests are most valuable.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between keeping your vision intact and delivering what your users truly need. @ryan_chen97

Answer

Vision is my North Star; user feedback has to algin.

Lily Carter · Answer

User request are GPS I still decide the route.

Ryan Chen · Answer

@linda_yanlin Explaining your 'why' to users is such a great point

Ryan Chen · Answer

@lightfield Great insights, CY! You're absolutely right that user needs should take precedence over surface-level requests.

Ryan Chen · Answer

@hritik_choudhary I love the emphasis on using data and engaging users through surveys and beta testing. Thanks for sharing these insights!

Ryan Chen · Answer

@varu_dwarak I love your approach—fix the core first, and the rest will follow. Definitely something I'll keep in mind as we continue refining. Appreciate your sharing!

Answer

It’s my inspiration and you organize your inspiration

BrittanyWhite · Answer

Balancing user requests with my product vision is like juggling—sometimes tricky, but always rewarding. I listen to user feedback closely because it’s invaluable for spotting real-world issues and opportunities. However, I also keep my core vision in mind to ensure the product stays true to its purpose. It’s about finding a sweet spot where user needs and my long-term goals align, making adjustments along the way when necessary.

Answer

First, understanding user needs is crucial, but we must ensure that these needs align with our product's core values and vision. One effective strategy is to categorize user feedback into two types: short-term improvements and long-term innovations. Short-term improvements can directly address user requests, while long-term innovations should align with the product vision and market trends.
Secondly, maintaining good communication with users is also important, helping them understand that certain feature priorities may be based on the overall product roadmap, rather than just addressing individual demands.

Richard Reis · Answer

Product vision is a luxury that you'll only deserve after you achieve product market fit.
Until then, you're fumbling in the dark (trying to figure out what your product should be). And the only light you have are user requests.
I like Jack Dorsey's quote "we didn't invent Twitter, we discovered it." And I'd argue every company started that way (unless your name is Jeff Bezos).

Zaheer Khan · Answer

Transparency is key. I explain why we prioritize features.

How do you balance user requests and your product vision?

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