If you work in the tech industry, you’ve probably heard the term “product” a lot. It is a word that comes up in meetings and discussions frequently, but how well do you really understand what a “product” is? Many people are familiar with the term but might not fully grasp the meaning. Having a solid understanding of products, especially digital ones, is essential in the software industry. It helps you contribute more effectively to your team, make better decisions, and deliver solutions that bring value to users and the business. In my blog, I will give a quick dive into why you need to understand digital products.  

Why should you understand products in the software industry? 

No matter your role – designer, developer, marketer, or product manager – understanding the product you’re working on is crucial. Too often, we get caught up in our specific tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture. But when you truly understand the product, you’re better at prioritizing the right features, designing with purpose, and contributing to its overall success. 

For example, a designer who understands the goals and target users of a product can create more effective designs. Developers who know the business objectives behind a feature can make smarter technical decisions that align with the product’s long-term vision. In short, understanding the product helps everyone do their job better and leads to stronger, more successful outcomes. 

What is a product? 

A product is something that both creates value and delivers value. It solves a problem for its users, making their lives easier or more efficient, while also bringing value to its creators, like revenue or recognition. This can apply to all types of products, but digital products, in particular, are software-based, designed to solve specific problems for users through apps, websites, or platforms. 

There are a few main types of products: 

• Physical products: Tangible items like smartphones, books, or furniture. 
• Service products: Services such as consulting, legal advice, or cloud storage. 
• Digital products: Software or apps like Netflix, Gmail, or Zoom. 
• Mixed products: Products that combine physical and digital elements, like smart devices that sync with apps. 

Holistic product: Understanding products from a complete perspective

To truly understand a product, it’s important to look at it from multiple angles. A “holistic product” approach means considering all key aspects of a product, not just its features or design. This broader view helps you see how each element contributes to its overall success. 

There are four main aspects to consider: 

• Functionality: The features the product offers to help users solve their problems. 
• UX (User Experience): How users interact with the product and how it makes them feel. Is the product easy to use? Does it solve their problem in a satisfying way?
• Technology: The underlying technology that powers the product. For digital products, this could include performance, scalability, or security.
• Business: How the product generates revenue or achieves its business goals. This includes monetization strategies and methods for acquiring and retaining users. 

Example: Tinder’s holistic product analysis 

Let’s look at Tinder as an example of how these elements come together: 

• Functionality: Tinder’s swipe feature allows users to quickly browse profiles, making the process of finding potential matches fast and easy. 
• UX: The simple swipe interface makes it intuitive and enjoyable to use. Users can easily swipe left or right without much thought, which adds to its appeal. 
• Technology: Tinder uses complex algorithms to match users based on preferences, behaviors, and data, ensuring relevant matches are made quickly and efficiently. 
• Business: Tinder uses a freemium model, offering in-app purchases and premium features to users who want more functionality, like seeing who swiped right on their profile. This brings in revenue while keeping the app free for the majority of users. 

By looking at Tinder holistically, you can see how all these pieces work together to create a successful product. 

As a UX/UI Designer: What should you do to sharpen this skill? 

For UX/UI designers, being able to analyze products from a holistic perspective is an essential skill. Start by looking at the digital products you use regularly. Break them down into the four areas mentioned above and ask yourself questions such as: What problem does this product solve? How do the features work? How does the business make money from this product? 

It’s also important to collaborate with other team members, like developers and product managers, to understand the technology and business side of products. Learning from different perspectives will help you design products with a greater insight and contribute to the product’s overall success. 

Lastly, stay curious and keep learning. The world of digital products is constantly evolving, so keeping up with new trends, technologies, and strategies will help you stay ahead. If you want to work on an interesting design project together then contact here, we’re always looking to create something awesome together! 

Kerry Tran Tung, Head of Design