What Customers Want: A Guide to the 'Jobs To Be Done' Framework
henrydjacob and Tnelat
"Jobs To Be Done" is a powerful framework that holds significant value for those pursuing product management roles. It serves as a lens through which to analyze products and their usage from the customer's perspective. Understanding why someone buys a product and what they aim to achieve with it is pivotal in truly empathizing with customers.
This framework goes beyond just creating new products and features; it offers a comprehensive approach to optimizing every customer touchpoint. By focusing on the core idea of fulfilling customer needs, "Jobs To Be Done" provides a structured methodology for product managers to enhance their understanding of customer motivations and desires.
To effectively utilize the "Jobs To Be Done" framework, product managers can follow these steps:
1. Identify the fundamental job that customers are trying to accomplish.
2. Understand the progress customers seek to make in their lives by using the product.
3. Analyze the obstacles or challenges customers face in achieving their desired outcome.
4. Develop solutions that align with the specific "job" customers are hiring the product to do.
By implementing this framework, product managers can tailor their strategies to meet the unique needs and goals of their target audience. For instance, a popular example of using the "Jobs To Be Done" framework is the evolution of the transportation industry. Instead of simply focusing on selling cars, companies like Uber and Lyft identified the core job customers wanted to be done - convenient and affordable transportation - leading to the rise of ride-sharing services.
In conclusion, embracing the "Jobs To Be Done" framework in product management can revolutionize how businesses approach customer needs. By diving deep into understanding the underlying motivations of consumers, companies can create more impactful solutions that resonate with their target audience. The question remains: How can you apply the "Jobs To Be Done" framework to innovate your product strategy and better serve your customers?