Product designer vs. Product Manager: Differences, responsibilities and skills

In the world of innovation, two roles emerge as fundamental pillars in the Development and implementation process of products and services: the designer of product and product manager. Both profiles are essential when carrying a project or Business to good port. If it could seem that these two profiles execute tasks Similar, Their approaches, skills and responsibilities are subtly different which, in good coexistence, will lead to productive and search dynamics Excellence constant in the creation of products and services of any kind.

In this post I will try to detail what are the fundamental aspects that they define both the product designer and the product manager and what are the reasons for those that are profiles to Consider facing any type of project you want to undertake.

The role of the product designer: beyond aesthetics

Despite false beliefs, product designers go beyond the Aesthetics of a service. A good designer is the one who investigates, empathizes and goes Beyond understanding what is in the minds of users with the In order to understand their desires, needs and frustrations with the aim of conceiving, to through Design Thinking and Creativity, ideas that meet the needs of users and contribute them worth.

A product designer is usually a restless mind in constant search for perfection. It is an extremely humanistic profile capable of empathizing with the context in which it moves or for which it works and is able to direct the entire process of creation of a product and service, from the detection of business opportunities, the Challenges or the definition of product vision but being guided and Inspired, at all times, by the needs of users.

Product designer skills: creativity, empathy and vision of business.

• Creativity: Without a doubt, this is the fundamental value of a product designer. They have overflowing creativity To devise innovative solutions to complex problems. They have a thought model lateral which allows them to think differently and find new ways to address the Challenges of any project in order to build solutions that provide value.

• EMPATHY: The ability to get into the User shoes is essential for a product designer. In fact, this Capacity, is the source of inspiration of this type of profiles. Empathy It allows them to understand the needs, desires and frustrations of the end user, which allows to design products that solve problems effectively and adapted to the needs of the users.

• Technical skills: In addition to Creativity and empathy, product designers must possess solid technical skills in areas such as design graphic and rapid prototyped since, these skills, allow them Turn your ideas into tangible and functional products.

• Business vision: there is some tendency to to think that the product designer is only based on the needs of the Users but, a designer product has to have a clear vision of business since This is what will differentiate the great ideas from what I always call the "Owls".

A good product designer is not the one that only takes into consideration The wishes and needs of users but also able to use their empathy and creativity to take into account the technical and business aspects of face to build a solution that are profitable, feasible and sustainable in the time while contributing value to users.

A reference in this area such as Steve Jobs that was inspired by user needs but, in turn, had a high capacity to combine all These skills in all aspects of creating a product and service. If you think about All the products created by Uncle Esteban, the inspiration arose from the needs of the users but, in no case the technology and The business for building those solutions.

The product manager: Director of the Strategy and Execution

Product Managers are undoubtedly the teachers of strategy and execution. His paper covers from the identification of opportunities in the market to the Coordination of multifunctional equipment to carry a product from the idea to the market.

Product Managers are usually a much more profile Analytical and rational. Its objective is to build a vision and they are the guarantors that this is fulfilled by making strategic decision -based decisions and user feedback that ensure long -term success.

Product Manager skills: strategic vision, skills Equipment Communication and Management.

• Strategic Vision: Products Managers must have a strategic vision of the product and its market. This implies understanding market trends, identifying growth opportunities and define a clear road map for the development and evolution of the product to long term. In this process, a fundamental role of product manager is making decisions throughout the construction process that contribute value to each step and do not put in risk vision.

• Analytical thinking: the products Managers should be able to analyze data and metrics to make decisions Informed on product address. This implies the ability to collect and Analyze relevant data, extract significant insights and adjust the strategy of the product accordingly.

• Communication skills: Effective communication is key to the success of a product manager. Must be capable of transmitting the vision of the product clearly and persuasively to all interested parties, from the development team to senior management and customers. In addition, they must be skilled in active listening to understand needs and concerns of all parties involved.

In short, a good product manager is able to design the strategy making decisions based on data analysis, communication and resources for building vision.

I like to see each project as a life story in which, even having very Of course, where you want to go, problems will arise on the way you will have to solve with creativity and determination. In this sense, good management of product is one that is capable of making decisions that are always oriented to Provide value in each step of the road to the execution of the vision.

Product designer or product manager. What do I need to make my project work?

While product designers and product managers have approaches different, your collaboration is essential for the success of any project is from Innovation or not. By joining forces, they combine the creativity of design with discipline strategic, creating a perfect balance between vision and execution.

If you are facing a problem with your business and you are not able to detect that which prevents your project from taking off or even if you want to undertake and mount A new business but you don't know how, maybe you should contemplate the collaboration with a product designer since it will be able to detect problems and provide creative solutions that will allow you to open your mind to new possibilities.

On the other hand, if your vision is clear and the problem is at the time of executing your vision, the product manager arises as a fundamental role since will be able to organize all the necessary tasks and coordinate the teams involved in face to address your product's vision.

Joining skills to boost innovation

The combination of the creativity of the product designer and the Strategic Vision of Product Manager, is fundamental in order to boost the innovation. When developing and cultivating these key skills, professionals can perform more effective roles in the creation and management of products innovatives that not only meet market expectations, but Also inspire and improve the life of your customers.