A essential balance for development
The relationship between a Product Manager (PM) and a Product Designer is crucial to the success of a Product. These two roles, although distinct, are profoundly complementary, and require close collaboration to ensure that the final Product meets user expectations while achieving business objectives.
Roles complementary and initial collaboration
The Product Manager and Designer each bring a unique expertise to the development process. The Product Manager focuses on identifying user needs and ensuring that the Product is aligned with the company's strategic objectives. The Designer, on the other hand, translates these needs into solutions and improves the ergonomics of the Product.
To maximize the effectiveness of their collaboration, it's essential that these two roles work together from the earliest stages of development. Early collaboration lays a solid foundation for a consistent, user-centric Product. Regular meetings and transparent communication are recommended to maintain alignment and productivity throughout the project.
Collaboration challenges and the importance of adaptability
Despite their shared objectives, challenges can arise in the collaboration between Product Managers and Designers, particularly during the discovery and delivery phases . For example, during the discovery phase , Designers and Product Managers need to calibrate their prospecting and research activities according to the project's strategy, schedule and objectives. As for the delivery phase, the Designer's actions are more focused on integrating his ergonomic and accessibility recommendations, while supporting the Product Manager's technical feasibility and vision. To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to focus communication on user needs, rather than on solutions imposed in advance.
Technological evolution and adapting roles
With technological advances, the roles of Product Manager and Designer are constantly evolving. These professions work closely together, thanks in particular to the development of new design, prioritization and development tools. Although the respective roles of Product Manager and Designer still have their own perimeters, improvements in tools and the arrival of AI will facilitate the sharing and transversality of common tasks between these two roles. These developments will make their actions more effective, and facilitate their collaboration for the benefit of the user experience. An essential approach to product design.
For example, the existence of gateways between Jira and Figma facilitates interaction between Product Manager and Designer. Often separated, these roles now tend to complement each other.
Experience integration Daily product
Like everyone else, Product Managers and Designers use numerous applications on a daily basis. It' s important for them to keep abreast of digital innovations, by regularly monitoring digital usage to ensure the best possible user experience. In fact, it's the applications they use in their personal lives that can serve as inspiration in the workplace. A large number of products used in everyday life, such as City Mapper, Deezer or Netflix, can be a source of inspiration and retranscribe these user experiences through new field product functionalities.
To conclude the ideal relationship between PM and Designer
The relationship between a Product Manager and a Designer is fundamental to the development of quality products. Early collaboration, continuous communication and adaptation to different environments (customer, tools, etc.) are essential to create Products that meet not only user needs, but also corporate objectives. Despite the challenges, a well nurtured relationship between these two roles can lead to significant success.
To find out more about this rewarding collaboration and learn more about their tips, listen to the podcast version!
David Touzain
Consultant Lead Product Designer
