Francesca Cortesi and Kai Stevens discuss the complexities of conducting discovery in hardware. They explore the unique challenges faced in hardware development, including long timelines, irreversible decisions, and the need for robust usability testing. 

Kai shares insights on balancing discovery with development, innovative approaches to user feedback, and the importance of collaborative decision-making among stakeholders. The discussion emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to discovery that accommodates the specific demands of hardware while remaining agile and responsive to user needs.

CHAPTERS

00:46 Introduction to Hardware Discovery Challenges

02:47 The Context of Hardware Product Management

05:15 Understanding the Risks in Hardware Development

08:58 Balancing Discovery and Development Timelines

12:38 Innovative Approaches to User Feedback

15:18 Usability Testing in Hardware

17:10 Decision-Making in Hardware Development

19:57 Optimizing Discovery Processes

23:41 Collaborative Decision-Making for Product Viability

26:29 Final Thoughts on Balancing Discovery and Execution

OUR GUEST

Kai Stevens, Product Leader & discovery coach https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaistevens/

Kai Stevens is the founder of Discovery Doctors, a training and consultancy company dedicated to helping product teams master continuous discovery. As a former Group Product Manager at tado°, Kai led a group of cross-functional teams to develop and launch the next-generation smart thermostats of tado° in May 2024. His hands-on experience applying continuous discovery in the connected hardware space inspired him to support other product teams in building better products through a discovery-driven approach."

COOK WHILE LISTENING

Kai’s favorite vietnamese spring rolls:  https://www.hungryhuy.com/how-to-make-goi-cuon-vietnamese-spring-rolls/