All Things Product with Teresa and Petra

Frameworks: When to Use Them, When to Break Them

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Key Takeaways:

Frameworks are helpful, but they’re not the answer to everything.

  • Frameworks provide structure and guidance, especially for beginners.
  • The mistake is treating them as rigid recipes rather than flexible tools.
  • The real value lies in sparking conversations, not just filling out the canvas.

    • Adapt frameworks to fit your team’s context.

    • There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every team and organization is unique.
    • Learn the framework first, then adapt it to your needs.
    • Don’t be afraid to freestyle and connect the dots in a way that makes sense for your team.

      • Break free when a framework no longer serves you.

      • Frameworks are scaffolding for learning—they’re meant to be outgrown.
      • If a framework is slowing you down or feels like a checkbox exercise, it’s time to break free.
      • The goal is to build the skills the framework teaches, not to follow it forever.

        • Frameworks are conversation starters.

        • The value of a framework is in the conversations it initiates.
        • It’s not about filling in every blank but about aligning your team and having the right discussions.
        • If conversations aren’t happening, the framework isn’t serving its purpose.

          • Start with the framework, then make it your own.

          • It’s okay to start with a structured approach, especially when learning.
          • As you gain experience, feel free to adapt, remix, or create your own frameworks.
          • Experimentation and iteration are key to making frameworks work for you.

            • Resources & Links:

            • Follow Teresa Torres: https://ProductTalk.org
            • Follow Petra Wille: https://Petra-Wille.com

              • Mentioned in the episode:

              • Business model canvas
              • Petra’s PM Wheel
              • Scrum
              • Jobs to Be Done
              • Opportunity Solution Trees: Visualize Your Discovery to Stay Aligned and Drive Outcomes
              • User Story Mapping: Discover the Whole Story, Build the Right Product by Jeff Patton
              • Impact Mapping
              • Continuous Discovery Habits
                • ...more
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                All Things Product with Teresa and PetraBy Petra Wille & Teresa Torres