The Democratization of Product Creation: Janna Bastow on Thinking vs. Tooling

In a recent LinkedIn post, Janna Bastow explores the rapidly evolving landscape of software creation, highlighting how new tools are empowering non-technical individuals to build their own solutions. Bastow, a prominent voice in product management, shared a conversation with a fellow product thinker that has sparked her reflection on the implications of this shift.

The Rise of the Citizen Developer

Bastow’s post focuses on the observation that individuals, such as those in finance departments, can now leverage accessible tools to develop software that addresses their specific problems. This bypasses traditional routes involving vendors, product teams, and lengthy ticket queues. As Bastow relays the insight from her peer:

“We’re basically democratizing product creation. The critical thinking, the discovery process, all of that still applies. But now anyone who understands it can do it.”

This democratization, as highlighted by Bastow, signifies a significant reduction in the technical barriers to entry for product development. The implication is that a much broader range of individuals within an organization can now contribute to building functional software.

Tooling Barrier Gone, Thinking Remains Paramount

While the ease of access to building tools is a significant development, Bastow emphasizes that the core challenge of product creation remains unchanged. She points out that the true difficulty lies not in the creation of the tool itself, but in the underlying thinking process.

The Enduring Importance of Critical Thinking and Discovery

Bastow elaborates on this crucial point, stating:

“The tooling barrier is gone. What’s left is the thinking. The ability to define a problem well, validate it, and build something that scales and lasts. That was always the hard part, and it still is.”

According to Bastow, organizations are now at a crossroads. The critical questions revolve around whether companies will prioritize and invest in cultivating these essential thinking and discovery skills across their workforce, or if they will be solely focused on the speed that new tools enable. This distinction is vital for sustainable and effective product development.

Organizational Investment in Product Thinking

Bastow poses a direct challenge to organizations, urging them to consider their approach to empowering their teams. She questions the readiness of companies to equip their employees with the necessary skills for effective product creation.

“The question is whether organizations will invest in teaching that thinking more broadly, or just celebrate the speed.”

In her concluding remarks, Bastow prompts a broader discussion about who is empowered to build within an organization and whether the crucial skills of discovery are being taught in parallel with the adoption of new building tools. This perspective underscores the need for a balanced approach that values both technological capability and strategic, critical thinking in product development.