One of the most underestimated challenges in mobile app development today isn’t the coding or even the design—it’s the clarity on what to build. In 2025, with rapidly evolving technologies and ever-changing user expectations, this challenge has only grown more complex. Yet, it’s also the most critical determinant of an app’s success.
Here’s why aligning product management with development is non-negotiable and how you can champion this approach as a CIO, CTO, or product leader.
Why “What to Build” Should Be Your Focus
In the rush to innovate, many companies fall into the trap of building features that don’t solve real problems. The result? Apps that miss the mark on users’ needs fail to deliver ROI and pile up technical debt. In 2025, where user expectations are driven by hyper-personalization and seamless cross-platform experiences, getting it wrong can cost you money and credibility.
A solid product management process ensures that every line of code aligns with business objectives, user needs, and market realities. It creates a bridge between the why of your business goals and the how of technical execution.
How to Achieve Clarity in Product Development
- Start with discovery workshops before any development begins, and bring together stakeholders—product managers, designers, engineers, and business leads—for structured discovery sessions.
- Focus on the MVP, but think beyond it. The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) isn’t just about getting something out the door; it’s about releasing a focused product that can validate assumptions. However, the MVP must be a stepping stone toward a scalable, long-term solution.
- Leverage dual-track agile to split product management and development into parallel tracks.
- Combine product management with software development services—many companies separate product strategy from technical execution, often leading to misalignment. Partnering with a vendor that integrates product management expertise with software engineering services is a better approach.
- Invest in continuous validation. Building clarity isn’t a one-and-done effort—it’s an ongoing process.
How CIOs and CTOs Can Lead the Charge
As a technology leader, you are pivotal in ensuring clarity across teams. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Advocate for upstream alignment: Involve product management, design, and development from day one.
- Choose partners who offer end-to-end services: From product strategy to engineering, find teams to guide you through the entire journey.
- Measure outcomes, not just outputs: Shipping products and features are excellent, but you must focus on delivering business value.
In 2025, clarity on what to build is your competitive edge. It’s what separates apps that thrive from those that fail. By championing an integrated approach to product management and development, you can ensure that your investments in technology translate into real business impact.
