Navigating the triangle of tension - wants, needs, and feasibility in product management
summary
Argues that the Triangle of Tension (wants, needs, feasibility) is a dynamic to embrace and offers concrete tools: stakeholder mapping and engagement plans, discovery, MoSCoW prioritisation, user research, prototyping and usability testing, horizon mapping and a living “wall of insight,” plus the andon cord idea to pause and swarm on problems. Examples: a fundraising app is built and works but delivers poor ROI; a re-scoped front end drops a costly map, comes in under budget and achieves a 75% reduction in complaints; part‑time consultancy is reframed into coaching to build evidence for a future full‑time role.
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chapters (11)
- 0:00Introduction
- 3:12Triangle of tension concept
- 6:46Wants, needs, feasibility
- 12:26Hidden stakeholder wants
- 15:17Sociotechnical system
- 16:42Wants overruling needs
- 17:45Feasibility guiding outcomes
- 20:54Navigating tension activities
- 24:04Panel on collaboration
- 31:34Summary
- 33:25Q&A
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