The CIRCLES framework assists you with problem-solving and decision-making. As a product manager, it guides you on how to approach any situation. Every word in CIRCLES stands for a term. The CIRCLES framework covers vital aspects for product managers in product development. It guarantees to address customer needs, manage risks, promote collaboration, and make data-driven decisions through experimentation and success measurement.

Let’s dive deep into each of these terms.

1. Comprehend the SituationUnderstand the environment that gives rise to the need for the product. A product manager must comprehend the environment that drives a product’s requirements. Conducting thorough research and analysis is an essential task for a product manager. This aspect of the framework addresses the question of What? Who? Why? and How? regarding the requirements.

2. Identify the CustomerOnce you have a complete understanding of the complete requirements, your next task is to begin considering the users who will utilize the feature. Building upon the accumulated requirements, we need to develop a persona for the average customer.

3. Report the Need of the CustomerAfter comprehending the situation and developing user personas, the next step involves understanding the motivations behind why the customer would use our product. During this phase, it is essential to compile a list of the reasons that might drive the customer’s need for the product.User story → As [a user persona], I want [to perform this action] so that [I can accomplish this goal].

4. Cut Through PrioritizationProvide an evaluation of your product’s position with respect to the market, followed by an estimated return on investment (ROI) analysis.

5. List SolutionsList the potential solution to the problems for the identified user personas.

6. Evaluate the TradeoffsEvery product will involve trade-offs. Understand your priorities and design the product accordingly.

7. SummarizeProvide a summary of your design that includes all of the points. Here you mention everything about the requirement, what is the requirement, the complete recap, and why your product will stand out versus others.