AI Product Strategy & Execution
AI Product Strategy & Execution
The provided task requires developing a product roadmap, defining quarterly epics and user stories, managing client requests, identifying potential risks, and creating a
stakeholder communication plan for InTouch, a platform specializing in customer engagement through advanced AI and digital communication technologies.
The pDOOH (Programmatic Digital Out-of-Home) industry is rapidly evolving, and our company aims to be at the forefront of this transformation.
Leveraging cutting-edge computer vision technology, we’re developing an innovative product that enhances advertising capabilities for both advertisers
and consumers. Our vision extends beyond traditional billboards, as we create dynamic, real-time digital displays that engage audiences in public spaces.
Key Points:
pDOOH: Combining the best of traditional and digital advertising, pDOOH provides a powerful tool for reaching our target audience effectively.
Computer Vision: Our solution utilizes advanced computer vision algorithms to optimize content delivery based on real-world conditions (e.g., weather,
audience demographics).
Market Demand: Retailers and major stores have expressed interest in enhancing their digital signage capabilities, creating a significant growth
opportunity for our product.
Roadmap Items Discovery & Validation: For any roadmap item, it should be properly identified, analyzed, validated, and prioritized through a proper
framework that guarantees continuous Discovery & Continuous Delivery (Agile Dual Track Approach)
Deliver Values not Features: Focusing on delivering real values to the targeted customers is not by building many features, it’s all about how to identify
the right customer needs, pains and convert your plans into precise action items to effectively push the product towards a more beneficial direction.
Follow the agreed OKRs: based on the given details, we proposed some OKRs, OKR is more efficient that KPI when it comes to giving the stakeholder
the context of how to measure the progress of KPI.
The following lines will discuss the roadmap targeted milestones and some action items to achieve them.
Internal Goals
Enhance Customer Engagement Algorithms
Milestone 1: Achieve 95% accuracy in customer sentiment analysis.
Milestone 3: Create a self-service portal for easy AI model access and configuration.
External Goals
Market Expansion
Milestone 1: Enter three new markets by Q4.
Milestone 2: Establish partnerships with five major retailers and service providers.
Client Acquisition
Milestone 1: Acquire 15 new clients by the end of the year.
Milestone 4: Participate in industry events and trade shows to showcase the platform.
Roadmap Timeline:
2. Upcoming Quarter Epics and Stories
Epic 1: Enhance Customer Engagement Capabilities
• User Story 1: As a user, I want the customer engagement system to identify customer sentiment with 95% accuracy.
▪ Then: The system should classify the sentiment as positive with a confidence level of at least 95%.
▪ Then: The system should classify the sentiment as negative with a confidence level of at least 95%.
• User Story 2: As a user, I want the system to respond to customer interactions 20% faster than the current version.
▪ Then: The system should respond within the specified 20% improved response time.
▪ Then: The system should respond within the specified 20% improved response time.
• User Story 3: As a user, I want predictive engagement suggestions based on past interactions.
▪ Then: The system should provide a timely response on the same channel.
▪ Then: The system should display real-time metrics on average response time and response time distribution.
Epic 2: Develop AI Model for Independent Sale
• User Story 1: As a business owner, I want to purchase the AI model as a standalone product to integrate with my existing CRM.
▪ Then: The model should function as expected within the CRM environment.
▪ Then: The model should adhere to data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• User Story 2: As a system administrator, I want to configure and deploy the AI model with minimal technical support.
▪ Then: The deployment process should be automated and require minimal manual intervention.
▪ Then: The deployment process should provide clear installation instructions and support.
• User Story 3: As a developer, I want detailed API documentation for easy integration.
▪ Then: The documentation should clearly define API endpoints and parameters.
▪ Then: The documentation should provide code examples in multiple programming languages.
• User Story 4: As a business owner, I want to customize the AI model for my specific industry.
▪ Then: The model should adapt its behavior to match the industry's characteristics.
• User Story 5: As a system administrator, I want access to a self-service portal for managing the AI model.
▪ Then: The user should be able to configure model parameters without technical assistance.
▪ Then: The user should be able to monitor the model's performance and generate
• User Story 6: As a business owner, I want to monitor the performance of the AI model through usage analytics.
▪ Then: The system should provide key performance indicators (KPIs) such as accuracy, response time, and cost.
▪ Then: The system should identify unusual patterns or anomalies that might indicate performance issues.
The following process is a very light simplification of How “ideally” should we handle any request comes from the client, afterwards I will walk you through the other
side (How we as a team operate with the client requests)
To start operating any request with more mature processes and avoid product maturity issues, Let's agree on some procedures that will help us with
better Innovation, Validation, and Execution:
1. Features/ Requests Proposals: these could be gathered from different sources like
a) Stakeholders Requests: collect Requests from different stakeholders
b) Competitive Analysis: this practice could address gaps, potential improvements to be considered in the product backlog
c) Customers Feedback: Gathered feedback from our customers.
d) Data-Driven Insights: insights that’re driven by data and proper statistics.
e) Market Trends: new trends on the market.
f) Product Management Innovation: The product manager thoughts, and ambitions.
In this stage, all requests comes with a very lo-fi accuracy, they are considered as assumptions or in the best cases “hypotheses”. No real proof
about their feasibility to the product. Thus, we have to validate. No Commitments were given, No Deadlines were communicated, and No
Priorities were assigned. Gather all required info and craft a Lo-Fi Proposal to be validated in separate processes via the Product Manager.
(Discovery processes will be discussed later in much further details)
2. Features Validation
In this stage, we start validating the discovery results output to elect only the feasible ideas that highly validated and aligned with:
a) UX aspects: To validate the user experience and commit to the most convenient one according to the situation. Design the functionality in a customer-
centric manner.
b) Technical aspects : to address the technical challenges, and align on the functional/nonfunctional requirements
c) Commercial aspects: to make sure 100% this feature is aligned and coup with the company objectives and stated goals. Hits our markets’/customers'
needs. ROI properly assessed.
d) Strategic aspects: How this feature will align with the product vision, and strategy
e) Product Maturity: Validate that this feature/request will direct the product to a more mature experience.
d) Then arrange all the requested stuff in a descending order which means top scores are the highest priority and lower scores mean lower priority. Here’s
an example of how it works:
4. Ready For Development: we can say the feature is Ready if all the below are done:
a) Clear Function Requirements with the needed artifacts.
b) Final Approved Designs and comply with the UX standards.
c) Priorities defined and aligned with all involved stakeholders
d) Move the agreed backlog items to the iteration backlog to be sized and estimated.
Conclusion
This detailed client request management process ensures that client requests are handled systematically, efficiently, and transparently. By
collecting and documenting requirements thoroughly, evaluating feasibility and aligning with the product roadmap, and maintaining open
communication with clients, the process aims to enhance client satisfaction and ensure successful delivery of requested features and
improvements.
4. Risk Management
Introduction
The pDOOH (Programmatic Digital Out-of-Home) industry is growing quickly, and our company wants to lead the way with innovative advertising solutions.
We're using advanced computer vision technology to create a product that makes advertising more interactive and engaging for both advertisers and
consumers.
As listed on the roadmap above, there are some addressed risks needs to be processed properly. Thus, this comprehensive risk management process is crucial
to our success. It helps us identify and handle potential risks, ensuring that we achieve our goals and deliver a cutting-edge product that meets market demands
and exceeds customer expectations.
• Action: Develop a risk management plan that outlines the approach, methodologies, and tools to be used. Assign roles and responsibilities for risk
management activities.
2. Identify Risks
• Objective: Find the risks through various techniques.
• Action: Use techniques such as brainstorming, expert judgment, and SWOT analysis to identify potential risks. Engage stakeholders, including project
team members, clients, and vendors, to gather a comprehensive list of risks.
Potential Risks:
• Technical Risks:
• Market Risks:
• Operational Risks:
• Financial Risks:
o Budget overruns.
• Action: Assess the likelihood and impact of each identified risk using qualitative methods such as risk probability and impact assessment. Prioritize
the risks based on their potential effect on the project.
• Action: Use quantitative techniques like Monte Carlo simulation and decision tree analysis to understand the potential numerical impact of risks on
project objectives.
• Action: Develop strategies for each risk, including avoidance, mitigation, transfer, and acceptance. Assign risk owners responsible for implementing
these strategies.
• Action: Execute the planned risk response strategies. Monitor the effectiveness of these strategies and make adjustments as necessary.
7. Monitor Risks
• Objective: Continually check the effectiveness of our risk processes.
• Action: Regularly review and update the risk management plan. Track identified risks and monitor new risks. Use risk audits, risk reviews, and
variance analysis to ensure the risk management process is effective.
Risk Assessment Matrix (Just an example of how to implement it on our roadmap items)
Risk Likelihood Impact Severity Category Mitigation Plan
(L) (I) (L*I)
Computer vision algorithms failure Medium High 12 Technical Conduct extensive testing and validation, and implement fallback
algorithms.
Integration challenges High Medium 15 Technical Develop integration guidelines and provide technical support.
Scalability issues Medium High 12 Technical Optimize infrastructure and implement automated scaling
mechanisms.
Market entry failure Low High 8 Market Conduct thorough market research and adapt strategies based on
findings.
Low adoption rate Medium High 12 Market Create compelling value propositions and engage in targeted
marketing campaigns.
Delays in milestones Medium Medium 9 Operational Implement agile project management practices and regular progress
reviews.
High turnover of key team Low Medium 6 Operational Offer competitive compensation and foster a positive work
members environment.
Budget overruns Medium Medium 9 Financial Implement strict budget controls and regular financial reviews.
Unforeseen scaling costs Medium High 12 Financial Allocate a contingency budget and regularly review scalability plans.
Mitigation Plans
1. Computer Vision Algorithms Failure
o Mitigation: Conduct extensive testing and validation of algorithms in diverse scenarios. Develop fallback algorithms to ensure continuity.
o Contingency: Engage with external experts to audit and improve algorithms if necessary.
2. Integration Challenges
o Mitigation: Develop comprehensive integration guidelines and provide technical support to clients.
o Contingency: Create an integration task force to address complex integration issues promptly.
3. Scalability Issues
o Mitigation: Optimize infrastructure and implement automated scaling mechanisms.
o Contingency: Partner with cloud service providers to handle unexpected load increases.
o Contingency: Reevaluate and pivot market entry strategies if initial attempts fail.
o Contingency: Gather feedback from potential clients to understand barriers and adjust the product accordingly.
6. Delays in Milestones
o Mitigation: Implement agile project management practices and conduct regular progress reviews.
o Contingency: Adjust project timelines and reallocate resources to critical tasks if delays occur.
o Contingency: Develop a succession plan and cross-train team members to ensure knowledge transfer.
8. Budget Overruns
o Mitigation: Implement strict budget controls and conduct regular financial reviews.
o Contingency: Engage with cloud service providers and negotiate flexible cost plans.
• Risk Audits: Conduct periodic risk audits to ensure adherence to the risk management plan and identify areas for improvement.
• Variance Analysis: Compare actual project performance with the project plan to identify deviations and assess their impact on risk.
• Risk Reporting: Maintain a risk register and provide regular updates to stakeholders on the status of risks and mitigation efforts.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Monitor KPIs related to risk management, such as the number of risks identified, the number of risks mitigated,
and the impact of realized risks on project objectives.
5. Stakeholder Communication Plan
Purpose
The purpose of this Stakeholder Communication Plan is to establish a framework for effective communication with all stakeholders involved in the Q3 2024. This plan
aims to ensure that all relevant parties are kept informed of progress, milestones, risks, and changes in a timely and consistent manner.
By addressing each of these deliverables comprehensively, the proposed product strategy for InTouch will not only meet internal and external goals but also effectively
manage client requests, mitigate risks, and ensure clear communication with all stakeholders.
1. Communication Plan
The Communication Plan outlines the various channels, frequency, and key messages for keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the project. It
ensures timely and effective communication with internal teams, clients, partners, and senior management.
Email, Client Portal, Monthly Newsletters, Quarterly Monthly, Project progress, feedback
Clients Product Owner
Business Review Meetings Quarterly solicitation, updates on requests
Email, Partner Portal, Monthly Partner Meetings, Monthly, Project status, collaboration Marketing & Sales
Partners
Quarterly Joint Planning Sessions Quarterly opportunities Teams
External Email, Conference Calls, Quarterly Stakeholder Quarterly, Strategic progress, partnership
Project Manager, BD
Stakeholders Updates, Annual Stakeholder Meetings Annually opportunities, risks
2. Escalation Matrix
The Escalation Matrix provides a clear path for resolving issues that cannot be handled at the immediate level. It ensures that problems are addressed promptly by
escalating them to higher authority levels based on the severity and nature of the issue.
Technical Issues Development Team Lead Scrum Master Project Manager CTO
Client Issues Customer Success Team Lead Product Owner Project Manager CMO
Partner Issues Partner Manager Marketing & Sales Director Project Manager CMO
Major Project Risks Project Manager Senior Management Steering Committee CEO
3. RACI Matrix : The RACI Matrix clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the team members for each task or deliverable within the project. It helps to ensure
accountability and clear understanding of each team member's involvement.
Research and Define User Requirements BA Product Owner Development Team, Clients Internal Teams
Develop Sentiment Analysis Model Data Scientist, Dev Product Manager QA, Scrum Master Internal Teams
Test Sentiment Analysis Model QA, Dev, Product Owner Product Manager Development Team Internal Teams
Improve Real-Time Engagement Response Speed Dev, Performance Eng. Product Manager Development Team Internal Teams
Implement Predictive Analytics for Behavior Data Scientist, Dev Product Manager Development Team, Scrum Master Internal Teams
Integrate Multi-Channel Support Dev, QA Product Manager Development Team Internal Teams, Clients
Optimize NLP Algorithms Dev, NLP Specialist Product Manager Development Team Internal Teams
Develop Personalized Engagement Strategies Data Scientist, Dev Product Manager Development Team Internal Teams, Clients
Develop Standalone AI Model Data Scientist, Dev Product Manager QA, Development Team Internal Teams
Develop Self-Service Portal Dev, UX/UI Designer Product Manager QA, Development Team Internal Teams, Clients
Create API Documentation and SDKs Dev, Technical Writer Product Manager QA, Development Team Internal Teams, Clients
Test AI Model and Portal QA, Dev, Product Owner Product Manager Development Team Internal Teams, Clients
Optimize Infrastructure for Load DevOps, SysAdmin Product Manager Development Team Internal Teams
Implement Automated Scaling DevOps, SysAdmin Product Manager Development Team Internal Teams
Ensure High Availability & Disaster Recovery DevOps, SysAdmin Product Manager Development Team Internal Teams
Market Research for New Regions Marketing, BA, Product Owner Product Manager Marketing, Sales, BD Internal Teams, Clients
Develop Targeted Marketing Campaigns Marketing, Dev, Product Owner Product Manager Marketing, Sales, BD Internal Teams, Clients
Establish Regional Partnerships BD, Marketing Product Manager Product Owner, Sales Internal Teams, Clients
Launch Localized Platform Versions Dev, Localization Team Product Manager Product Owner, Sales Internal Teams, Clients
Build Regional Sales and Support Teams HR, Sales Product Manager Product Owner, Marketing Internal Teams, Clients
Conduct Training for Regional Teams HR, Sales Product Manager Product Owner, Marketing Internal Teams, Clients
4. Stakeholders Power-Interest Matrix : The Stakeholders Power-Interest Matrix helps to prioritize stakeholders based on their level of influence (power)
and their level of interest in the project. This matrix aids in developing tailored communication and engagement strategies for each stakeholder group.