The Requirements Trap: Are Your Requirements Sabotaging Your Success?
PDMA Minnesota | February 19, 2025
Description
Anyone working in tech is familiar with the idea of “requirements.” But what should product leaders actually require of our products?
In this session, long-time product management and strategy leader Jason Scherschligt will investigate the perils and paradigms of software product requirements. We’ll look at how requirements are traditionally understood by software teams, and examine how to consider what is required in product-driven organizations and teams. Through anecdotes and examples, Jason will help you rethink requirements to focus on what drives value for your customers and your business.
Key Takeaways
- The history of requirements.
- Why requirements may not actually be required.
- How to reframe requirements to focus on value.
About the Speaker
Jason Scherschligt
Jason Scherschligt is Head of Product at Solution Design Group (SDG), a Minneapolis-based digital product innovation and custom software development consultancy. Jason has over 20 years of experience in product management and user experience leadership. He has served as a digital product manager for a major daily newspaper, led product management for an online university's suite of digital experiences, and held executive roles as head of product for day-one startups and legacy brands. He is especially interested in digital communities, complex content, innovation, and building high-functioning teams. Jason frequently speaks, writes, and blogs about the product mindset, product strategy, and user-centered product management. He is editor of SDG's product-themed newsletter, The Pollinator. In 2020, Jason was the co-author and editor of the 1st edition of The North Star Playbook, an e-book published by Amplitude, with lead author John Cutler.