How I prioritize and build feature requests ?

Feature building and prioritisation framework

When there are too many feature requests from customers, How do we prioritize the ones that could positively impact the business? The influx of user and stakeholder requests can often be overwhelming.

Every individual user's pain points are valuable insights, but that doesn't mean that every feature request can be prioritized. Choosing and prioritizing which features to build requires a strategic approach that goes beyond user demands and needs to satisfy many other factors to contribute to the growth of the business. So how do we conclude what to build? What factors help us decide if a feature is needed on our product or not?

A structured approach involving six YES/NO questions can lead to a definitive conclusion.

• Does the feature solve a particular problem?
• Does the feature attract target users?
• How easy is it for the user to adopt and engage?
• Does this feature stay on par with competition in the market?
• Does the feature contribute to revenue growth/user retention?
• Does the feature provide a unique selling proposition?

From my understanding, getting 4 YES out of 6 can ensure a good feature release with a positive impact on the business growth. Not all features solve user problems, some can contribute to user engagement and retention and some can also be built to keep up with the market trends. But what all bring in common is business growth/ revenue growth and a strong position in the market which can never be compromised.

To make more informed decisions about feature development and prioritization, this six-question framework can help the feature-building process and make it simple.