User and Market Research
User research is crucial for product managers as it helps ground product strategy decisions in real user needs and minimizes development mistakes
Essential Resources
Books:
The Lean Product Playbook by Dan Olsen – Practical guide with step-by-step customer feedback methods
Escaping the Build Trap by Melissa Perri – Focuses on effective product management practices.
Online Courses:
Become a Product Manager – Learn the Skills and Get the Job
“Software Product Management Specialization” by University of Alberta
Tools:
- Maze – Platform for user testing with quantitative metrics and usability testing
- Statista – Comprehensive market research reports and industry data
Research Methods:
- User interviews and surveys for qualitative insights
- Usability testing for evaluating product effectiveness
- Competitive analysis and market segmentation
BEST PRACTICES:
Start with a clear problem to solve, choose appropriate research methods (quantitative vs. qualitative), recruit representative participants, and create structured research plans. Focus on listening and understanding rather than influencing participants.
The ProductBrain 