Collaboration between design and product

I recently met Christian Crumlish, the author of Product Management for UX People at a local meetup. Christian is an information architect turned UX-er turned product person.

His unique career path allows him to empathize with many people involved in the product development process. So it's only natural that he's the one to bring the crafts of UX and product closer together.

As a designer turned product manager (PM) I really appreciate that this book exists. I would have jumped at this resource when I made my transition into product management years ago.

In fact, my transition into product management was not intentional.

One of my favorite Directors of Product at Booking.com, Mats Einarsen, needed a new PM on a data science team. He knew I loved data, research, and making an impact with design, so he tapped me for the role.

At first, I said, "no thank you." I was happy doing design on a team I loved. But some people around the company strongly felt that I was the right person, so they asked what held me back.

"I have no idea what a product manager (PM) does," was my reply. 

I had no insight into the PM role, so I didn’t know if I’d like it or be good at it. Eventually Mats persuaded me that "I'd figure it out," so I gave it a shot. And just like that—I was a product manager.

Because of my similar meandering career path between design, product, and people management, I have a lot of people reach out for career advice. Ultimately, this book does a better job explaining what a PM does that I ever could, so I’m thrilled it exists. 

 That said, I believe that engaging in the conversion design process is a great way to get product and design on the same page. Why? Because conversion design is both a creative and scientific process. It needs equal parts of both “play” and “prove.”

There’s space for everyone in the conversion design process. Our unique strengths and perspectives make us all stronger and better when we learn and do it together.

Designers, learn to love and play with your product person’s obsession with impact. Product people, learn to love your designer’s obsession with purposeful play. Because when you do, work becomes fun and effective. And that kind of employee engagement is hard for competitors to copy.

Now, go have some fun together and just see what you can achieve!