One of the ways to have a bigger impact as a software developer is to think more broadly about the product your company is building. Many software developers make the mistake of only focussing on writing code without a good understanding of their company’s product.
In this article, you will learn why it is important to understand your company’s product and how to get better at it.
To be a well-rounded software developer you must provide input into the product your company is building. You should have a good understanding of your company’s different business models. Understand how your company makes money. What parts are most profitable, what parts of the company are expanding the most? Who are the customers of your company’s product? Why do they buy it? How does your team fit into all of this?
Understanding all these product-related questions and more will help you make better decisions with your teams on how technology solutions can serve the product in the best way. It will help you to focus on customer needs and strive to develop the necessary technology by creating efficient solutions both in relation to the speed of execution and the cost.
Understanding the why is important before you can decide on the what and the how.
Below are some suggestions on how to become better at being a product-minded software developer.
Build a good relationship with your Product Manager
Your Product Manager is responsible for WHAT gets built by your team. Their role requires them to have a strong understanding of your company’s product. Building a good relationship with your Product Manager is important as they can help teach you about the company’s product and answer any questions you may have in the future about the product. Let your Product Manager know that you would like to grow your understanding of the company’s product, so they are aware that they can mentor you when opportunities present themselves.
Suggest product ideas when you have them
Product ideas should not only come from business stakeholders or your Product Manager. They can come from you. If you have an idea that can improve your company’s product you should share it with your team and Product Manager. Do some research to provide backing for your idea. It will also give you the confidence to share the idea if you have some data backing it. The main takeaway here is to not wait to be asked for ideas but proactively share any product improvement ideas that you have.
Always ask WHY when requirements are unclear
You should always ask for further explanation if you are asked to build something that you are unclear on its impact on the company product. Your goal should always be to understand WHY you are building something and how it is supposed to make the company’s product better. Avoid defaulting to writing code just because you are told to do so. Always start from a point of understanding the WHY.
Get involved in user research and customer support
As a software developer, it is important to understand your customers. Who are they and what are their needs? What frustrates them and what delights them about your product? One of the best ways to do this is to be involved in user research and customer support. Find out how you can be involved in these activities at your company and ask to allocate some of your work time there. It will help give you a better understanding of your company’s product and customers.
Being a product-minded software developer will help you become more well-rounded. You will have a better understanding of the work you do and the impact it makes on the company’s business. You will have a better understanding of why your company exists and the impact it makes in the world.
Start working on improving your product mindset today.