Itamar Gilad is the author of Evidence Guided, which is my favorite book out there on how to practically DO product discovery well. Prior to working as an independent product consultant and trainer, he had a long and successful career in product at Google where, among other things, he led the creation and launch of products that are now used by over a billion people.
In this conversation we explore the GIST approach to product discovery through the origin story of Gmail's tabbed inbox, to help you see what great product discovery looks like in practice. We also discuss how to think about roadmapping and formulating strategy, all within the crazy levels of uncertainty we all deal with.
Please enjoy learning from one of my favorite product thinkers out there, Itamar Gilad.
Topics discussed
(01:33) Creating frameworks and coming up with catchy models
(10:02) GIST: the meta framework organizing model concept.
(15:02) Illustrating GIST through the story of Gmail tabbed inbox
(21:06) Refocusing goals led to stronger, simpler idea.
(25:08) Prioritize, filter, and reevaluate for effective ideas.
(29:02) Usability and value risks, low confidence, evolution.
(35:43) Key results drive achieving goals, engaging company.
(40:07) Inquiring about applying startup approach to enterprises.
(45:32) Navigating uncertainty in strategy with evidence and discovery.
(50:44) Emphasizing iterative nature of product discovery process.
(59:10) Encouraging analysis for companies hesitant about changes.
(01:01:18) Evaluate, test, experiment, launch, measure, impact, outcomes
Links & resources mentioned
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Links & resources mentioned:
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Related episodes:
#55: How does continuous discovery come together for a new product?
#44 Teresa Torres: Habits for clear thinking and better product bets
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Books:
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Other resources:
