Software can be iterated with a click, but not hardware. Adhiraj reveals how product management changes when the product you build sits in someone’s home, not just on a screen. In this episode, we explore what it means to build physical products end-to-end, from working with factories, to navigating design and manufacturing constraints. If you’ve only seen PM through a software lens, this conversation reveals a completely different side of the industry.

Too busy to listen to our full-length episode? Fret not — this blog recap distils the key parts of Adhiraj’s journey and the product lessons that student builders and aspiring PMs can take away.

Timestamps

00:29 Background of Adhiraj

01:51 Introduction of Padlock 2

05:15 Difference between hardware and software PM

06:46 Hardware MVP

08:56 People that work with hardware PMs

10:46 Misconceptions about hardware PM

11:21 How did interest in hardware PM develop?

13:26 Difference in B2B and B2C product lines

16:24 Preference between B2B and B2C

18:45 Underrated skill that makes a great hardware PM

21:34 How PRISM+ shapes approach to PM

23:51 A day in the life of a PM at PRISM+

26:00 Most challenging day at PRISM+

28:45 Underwhelming product reception at the roadshow

30:15 Hardware PM intern at PRISM+

33:02 Product lifecycle in hardware PM

37:07 PM for a fictional gadget

37:59 Chinese product pitch

41:09 Owning PRISM+ products at home

42:44 Weirdest/worst customer request or feedback

44:34 Most important PM lesson

47:00 Percentage of day spent in meetings

49:24 Funniest moment working with a factory or supplier

51:35 Biggest 'oh no' moment during product launch

53:41 Weirdest product component

Highlights

Catch the key moments from this episode below!

About the Guest