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Linear’s secret to building beloved B2B products | Nan Yu (Head of Product)

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January 30, 2025

TLDR: Nan Yu, head of product at Linear, discusses their unique approach to developing quality SaaS products quickly, debunking the speed vs. quality myth, diving into user needs deeply, managing product backlogs systematically, and more.

1Ask AI

In this insightful episode, Nan Yu, the Head of Product at Linear, shares golden strategies behind creating fast, high-quality products that teams love. He discusses themes such as managing speed versus quality, understanding user needs, and the value of creativity in product development.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

Speed and Quality: Debunking the Myth

  • The misconception that speed compromises quality is widespread. Nan argues that true speed stems from competence and expertise rather than rushing or sloppiness.
  • Successful professionals are often faster because they have refined their craft, leading to productive iterations.
  • The approach – By the time 10% of the scheduled time has elapsed, a functional prototype should emerge to test key hypotheses.

Unique Product Development Philosophy

  • Avoiding Bloat: A significant challenge in B2B software is the tendency toward feature bloat. Nan emphasizes that requests from middle management often lead to complex features that disrupt the user experience for individual contributors (ICs).
  • Creative Solutioning: Nan employs a systematic approach for creativity by challenging the team to think about extreme versions of product features, allowing them to explore innovative solutions beyond the obvious.

Empathy in Customer Interaction

  • Understanding customer emotions is key. Nan trains himself and the team to explore the underlying feelings behind customer feedback rather than just relying on surface requests. This depth of understanding influences product direction and fosters loyalty.
  • Customer Calls: Engaging deeply in customer conversations enables product managers to align their products closely with user needs and avoid assumptions.

The Double Triangle Framework

Nan introduced the Double Triangle framework in product management that integrates:

  • Engineering and Design teams with Sales and Marketing.
  • This model enhances communication, aligning product features with market demand while keeping the user experience at the forefront.

Recommendations for Aspiring Product Managers

  1. Seek User Insights: Focus on gathering individual user stories rather than generic feedback. Strive to connect with actual users to gain firsthand insights.
  2. Rapid Prototyping: Dare to release early versions of products to internal users to gauge reactions and make adjustments.
  3. Prioritize ICs: When addressing feature requests, prioritize the needs and experiences of individual contributors over middle management demands.
  4. Deadlines as P0 Problems: Treat deadlines seriously and ensure that projects remain focused on key features, trimming scope as necessary without compromising quality.

Job Hunting Advice

Nan shares a "discovery approach" for job hunting:

  • Identify Problems: Research the company to understand their burning challenges and position yourself as the solution.
  • Engage with Team Members: Seek to connect with potential colleagues to gather insights into their work, strengthening your case during interviews.

Conclusion

Nan's insights into product management reflect a fresh and engaging outlook on building beloved B2B products. By embracing speed without sacrificing quality, focusing deeply on user needs, and integrating various functions of a company, product managers can create tools that teams genuinely appreciate.

Valuable Resources:

  • Books Recommended by Nan: The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman, emphasizes understanding design across everyday products.
  • Tips to Enhance Creativity: Examples like challenge ideas to the extreme can unlock innovative solutions.

This episode of Lenny's Podcast encapsulates key lessons and practical tips for anyone looking to navigate the world of product management effectively.

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