Top 5 Frameworks for Tackling Product Case Studies

Getting ready to interview for that dream product manager role?

Awesome! One thing you can count on is being asked to tackle a product case study during the interview process.

Case studies allow the interviewing team to see how you approach and solve real-world product problems.

With the help of a framework, you can follow a structured approach to analyse complex product problems.

Why knowing case study frameworks is important?

📌 They provide a structured approach to breaking down and analysing complex product problems, preventing you from getting overwhelmed or lost.

📌  Following a proven framework shows your critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills to interviewers.

📌  Using the right framework allows you to showcase your product management expertise in areas like user research, prioritisation, business strategy, etc.

📌  Practising with frameworks helps you get comfortable with the case study process so you can tackle them confidently during interviews.

📌  Having multiple frameworks in your toolkit lets you pick the right one based on the type of case study question asked.

For this blog, let's use a hypothetical case about developing a new food delivery app as an example.

Let's explore five battle-tested frameworks to help you demolish any case study that comes your way.

1. The Product Solution Fit Framework

This framework ensures your product solution matches the problem you're trying to solve.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What's the core problem we're addressing?
• Who are the target users facing this problem?
• How will our solution improve their situation?

For example, let's say the case involves developing a new food delivery app.

Using this framework, you might identify the core problem as "busy professionals struggle to find convenient and affordable meal options."

Your target users would be working professionals in urban areas, and your solution could be an app offering meal planning, grocery delivery, and curated restaurant options.

2. The Opportunity Solution Tree

This framework guides you through breaking down the problem into smaller components and exploring potential solutions.

Here's how it works:

• Start with the main opportunity or problem statement
• Identify the key areas or sub-problems contributing to the main issue
• For each sub-problem, list potential solutions
• Evaluate and prioritise the most promising solutions

Using the food delivery app example, the main opportunity could be "providing convenient meal options for busy professionals."

Sub-problems might include "lack of time for meal planning and grocery shopping," "limited healthy restaurant options," and "managing dietary restrictions."

Potential solutions could involve meal kits, grocery delivery partnerships, curated restaurant menus, and dietary preference filters.

3. The CIRCLES Method

This method provides a step-by-step process to ensure you cover all bases. It stands for Comprehend, Identify, Rationalise, Craft, Legitimise, Execution, and Summarise.

Here's how it goes:

• Comprehend the problem statement and gather the necessary information
• Identify the key issues, stakeholders, and constraints
• Rationalise potential solutions and evaluate trade-offs
• Craft a well-rounded solution that addresses the core problem
• Validate your solution by addressing potential risks and challenges
• Outline an Execution plan for implementation
• Summarise your approach and key takeaways

Using our food delivery app case, you might comprehend the problem as "busy professionals struggle to find convenient and healthy meal options."

You'd identify stakeholders like the target users, restaurant partners, and grocery providers.

Then, you'd rationalise solutions like meal kits, curated menus, and dietary filters before creating a comprehensive app solution that addresses convenience, health, and personalisation.

4. The User Story Mapping

This framework focuses on understanding the user's perspective, pain points, goals, and desires.

Here's how you can map out a user story:

• Define the core user personas and their characteristics
• Identify their key activities or tasks related to the problem
• For each activity, list the specific steps or scenarios
• Brainstorm potential solutions that address each step or scenario

For our food delivery app, a user persona might be "Ajay, a 32-year-old marketing manager who works long hours and struggles to find healthy meal options."

Key activities could include "meal planning for the week," "grocery shopping," and "finding nearby restaurant options."

Under each activity, you'd list out specific steps or scenarios, like "checking what ingredients are needed for planned meals" or "finding restaurants that cater to dietary restrictions."

Then, you can propose solutions like weekly meal kits, grocery delivery integration, and personalised restaurant recommendations based on dietary preferences.

5. The Business Model Canvas

While the other frameworks focus on the product solution, this takes a broader view of the entire business model.

It includes components like:

• Value Proposition: What value does your product offer?
• Customer Segments: Who are your target customers?
• Channels: How do you reach and acquire customers?
• Revenue Streams: How does your product generate revenue?
• Key Resources/Activities: What resources and activities are needed?
• Key Partnerships: What partnerships or external resources are required?
• Cost Structure: What are the major cost drivers?

For the food delivery app case, your value proposition might be "providing convenient, healthy, and personalised meal solutions for busy professionals."

Customer segments could include urban working professionals, health-conscious individuals, and families with dietary restrictions.

Revenue streams might involve subscription models, delivery fees, or commissions from restaurant partnerships.

Wrapping it Up

There you have it - five powerful product frameworks to help you solve those product case studies!

But like anything worth mastering, practice is key.

Study up on sample cases, identify which framework best fits each situation, and walk through solving them. The more reps you get in, the more natural using these frameworks will become.

If you'd like an experienced product manager to be your guide, look no further!

I've been in this game for 6+ years now and love helping fellow PMs reach their career goals.

Connect with me here on a free 1:1 call, and let's chat about how I can support you through mock interviews, resume reviews, or the overall interview prep.

You've got this!