The Scope
This project is a case study from my Product Management Certification course with Careerfoundry.
Timeframe: March - April 2023
My Role: Product Manager
Tools Used: Figma, Mirro, Google Suite, Canva
MakeYourMaps
MakeYourMaps redefines travel, linking adventurers to local attractions and services for authentic experiences that support communities. Our comprehensive app empowers users to explore, book, and engage with unique offerings, connecting travellers with the heart of each destination. Tailored for curious explorers, MakeYourMaps fosters genuine interactions, enabling small businesses to share their stories and passions globally. Create memories and uplift local economies with MakeYourMaps.
The Product Process
Phase 1: Research and User Stories
I conducted user research to understand the target audience's needs and pain points. They gathered insights from interviews and surveys to identify key user stories for the app. The research was conducted using qualitative methods such as interviews and surveys, allowing participants to elaborate on their experiences and preferences.
There were some challenges in recruiting participants for the surveys. Some users might have been difficult to reach or reluctant to participate, affecting the diversity of insights.
The research provided valuable user stories that formed the foundation for the app's features and functionalities. It validated the need for a platform that connects travellers with local businesses for authentic experiences.
Phase 2: Prioritisation
The product team employed the MoSCoW method to prioritise user stories, identifying the most crucial features for the initial release. I assessed the impact and effort justification for each user story to determine its priority using the MoSCoW framework, which aids in prioritising tasks and requirements based on their significance and impact on the overall project.
Accurately estimating the effort required for each feature posed a challenge, but after engaging with the stakeholders, we managed to formulate a prioritisation matrix that was pragmatic and all-encompassing.
This prioritisation enabled the team to concentrate on the must-have features for the first release, ensuring the app's core value is delivered to users.
Phase 3: Design and Development
I crafted an intuitive and user-friendly interface, enabling travellers to effortlessly discover and book experiences with local enterprises.
Design choices were informed by user feedback and usability testing. The development process adhered to agile methodologies, facilitating iterative enhancements and ongoing feedback. The wireframes were initially created as hand-drawn prototypes, and following an initial round of user feedback, a more detailed set of wireframes was produced using Figma.
Phase 4: Product Requirements Document (PRD) Creation
I formulated a thorough Product Requirements Document (PRD) to delineate the app's features, functionalities, prioritisation framework, user stories, and technical specifications.
Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including developers, designers, and business owners, I collated all essential information and established the project's scope.
The PRD functioned as a blueprint for the development team, steering them in constructing the app in line with the concurred specifications and objectives, resulting in a coherent and precisely defined product.
You can download the final version of the PRD here.
