Ask Do you understand what product hierarchy really stand for?

[Newman]

All companies that make products always have the chance of having four levels, which include Core, Actual, Augmented and Potential. While Core will explain the basic product that a company is producing, an Actual product will be the features of these products.

As well, Augmented will explain the other attachments that users csn get from these products, Potential will explain the future plans and products that the company would want to engage in.

What do you think of this?

 

[Dean101]

Think of it like a family tree for products. At the top, you've got a broad category, like electronics. Then it breaks down into things like phones or laptops, and under that, you get specific models like an iPhone 15 or MacBook Air. It helps businesses keep track of what they sell and figure out how to market or price things better. It also makes it easier for customers to see how products are connected.

 

[Brendan]

I see what you're saying, but I wonder if all companies really think about it this way. Smaller businesses might just focus on making something that works without planning four levels deep. The framework probably works better for bigger companies with resources to think long term.

 

[Edward22]

I see what you're saying, but I wonder if all companies really think about it this way. Smaller businesses might just focus on making something that works without planning four levels deep. The framework probably works better for bigger companies with resources to think long term.

You are right. For example, a startup might nail the core and actual product but not have much for augmented yet because they're still figuring things out. And potential products could change based on market feedback, so maybe it's less of a fixed hierarchy and more like stages that develop over time as the business grows.

 

[Daniel084]

People buy the core product because they need it, but they stay around because of what comes after. Things like good support, easy returns, or bonus features that competitors do not offer. That is what separates average products from ones people actually recommend to others. S

 

[Cristopher]

One thing I'm not sure about is whether the potential level really fits in the same category as the other three. Core, actual, and augmented all describe what exists right now in some form. But potential is just what might happen later, which could change or never materialize at all.

 

[Brendan]

I wonder how many companies actually execute all four well. Most seem to nail the core product but then drop the ball on augmented or potential. You see this with tech companies especially. They launch something great, but then support is terrible or they never innovate beyond the first version.