What is Buy a feature game? it is a simple and effective design game for getting people to choose the features that they would like to be available for a given product. It’s a great means of teasing out of people which features they would like and why.
Introduction: Embarking on the journey of developing a new product, our team faced the exciting challenge of sifting through a myriad of potential features. Having successfully validated the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and identified the Product-Market Fit (PMF), we found ourselves at a crossroads with a substantial backlog of features. Determined to prioritize effectively, we turned to the innovative approach of the 'Buy a Feature' exercise.
Scene: As we envisioned the full product and comprehended the pain points it would alleviate, the need for a structured approach to feature prioritization became evident. To tackle this, we orchestrated an engaging event at our headquarters, inviting early adopters and users of the product. The agenda was carefully planned, complete with finger foods, snacks, and beverages, creating a convivial atmosphere that would foster collaboration.
Actions: To kick off the exercise, we meticulously printed each feature from our backlog onto individual pieces of paper. Complementing this, we designed 'SLLR BOUND' bills in denominations of 20, 50, and 100. Allocating identical budgets to each participant, we encouraged them to assume the role of investors, using their capital to invest in the features that resonated with them most. This strategic gamification allowed participants to peruse the laid-out features, evaluating each based on its potential impact on their business success.
Results: The conclusion of the exercise yielded transformative outcomes:
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Organized Backlog: The 'Buy a Feature' exercise provided clarity, helping us organize and sequence the backlog efficiently. We now had a roadmap that reflected the collective investment choices of our user base.
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Team and User Bonding: The event served as a unique opportunity to forge stronger connections with our early adopters and users. By gaining insights into their businesses and growth plans, we developed a deeper understanding of their needs.
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Unearthed Insights: Beyond feature prioritization, the exercise unearthed previously unnoticed pain points, opening avenues for new opportunities and ideas. Understanding how users operate has empowered us to enhance the product and drive more sales effectively.
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Categorized Features: The insights gained from participants' investments enabled us to categorize features based on the financial commitment users were willing to make. This categorization became a valuable guide for future development efforts.
Conclusion: In adopting the 'Buy a Feature' strategy, we not only tackled the challenge of prioritizing features but also transformed it into a collaborative, insightful, and enjoyable experience. This user-driven approach not only streamlined our development roadmap but also solidified our partnership with those who matter most – our users.