The Product Engineer

Source: randsinrepose.com/archives/…

The article argues that companies building consumer software don’t need Product Managers (PMs) because their role often creates confusion and inefficiencies. It highlights three dysfunctional scenarios:

1. Product Managers as CEOs – PMs assume too much power, making unilateral decisions instead of fostering debate, which stifles innovation and leads to subpar products.
2. Uncompromising Designers – Designers isolate themselves, dismiss feedback, and create products that feel disconnected from engineering and user needs.
3. Disconnected Engineers – Engineers become passive, implementing features without questioning their purpose, leading to uninspired and incoherent products.

The author proposes an alternative: the Product Engineer, who blends engineering, product management, and some design responsibilities.