Product management for software
Bring order and consistency to complex software builds
Big software tools can take years to build and they evolve over time to fit the changing needs of your users. Product management develops a detailed roadmap to move you towards your vision in an efficient way.
Trusting Smudge to manage their software
Product management for large software builds
Every software project has a plan, but not all projects need a product management roadmap. Product management is needed for software tools with hundreds of features that will be rolled out over a period of years.
Development is smoother with product management
Roll out features efficiently
It makes sense for certain features to be developed and rolled out together. Phase development strategically based on who uses certain features, and where functionality sits in the tool.
Bring everyone with you
A clear, structured plan helps bring people on the custom software journey with you, building support through a compelling rollout narrative.
Every feature earns its place
Everyone has their wish list for software features, but not all ideas offer a return on investment. Product managers make sure features fit your product vision and business goals.
Account for the unexpected
Good product management groups software features logically and makes space for those left-field unexpected use cases that inevitably arise.
“The Digital Notebook app we created with Smudge is a game changer. Using it can make situations less dangerous, you can avoid taking your eyes off the person, and it’s easier to put away if the situation changes.”
Product management in action
Helping police access intelligence in the field
A new software product for global police departments has a long wish list of features police need. A roadmap makes sure we build those features in an order that's going to be useful to police officers straight away and helps their team understand the future value of the tool.
A field sales app for Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola worked with us to build a bespoke sales tool with 500+ features. We put together a product management roadmap to manage the rollout of those features over five years, prioritising features based on the needs of their sales reps and Coca-Cola's business goals.
Safety documentation for logistics
A large transport company had a vast amount of paper safety documentation for drivers and contractors. We built an app that digitised everything from forms to safety manual updates and site access to be more efficient and accessible. Product management was an essential part of managing the transition to digital in a user-friendly, logical way.
“Our mobile app ecosystem has revolutionised frontline policing in New Zealand through empathetic and considered design. It has improved public safety for all New Zealanders and is a world leading program that we are all very proud of.”
Our Approach
A balanced approach to software design
Human, business, and technical needs often compete for attention. Our goal is to find an ideal balance, where the three are prioritised with intent.
Product management principles for software design
Product management is about balancing business goals with user needs, ambitious vision with technical feasibility, and the big picture with fine details—delivering it all through an integrated plan.
Whether we drive product management or sit alongside your in-house product management team, product management is a collaborative process.
Every software project has challenges. Tackle the toughest, most uncertain problems first—if they can’t be solved, the entire project could be at risk or need re-thinking.
Nailing the basics is crucial, especially on mobile with limited space. When choosing between new features or solid foundations, focus on what users value most.
Not everything on your wish list can be a top priority. Our role is to help you assess your priorities, sparking conversations about the value each task creates and focusing on the outcomes that matter most.
Software projects evolve, no matter how strong your initial ideas are. Our goal is to tackle problems immediately, adapt to your changing needs, and provide long-term value by helping refine your direction.
“In recent years, technology has played an increasingly important role in enabling the success of our global sales team, and Smudge has been a key partner on that journey.”
Product management is part of our suite of services
At Smudge, we design and build digital tools that tackle tough, high-impact business challenges. Think of them as the precise puzzle pieces your digital ecosystem needs. With a diverse team of specialists, we bring a blend of skills and expertise to solve your problems with custom software.
Mobile apps
Desktop apps
Research for software projects
Research is at the heart of all great software projects. It helps you define your software vision, understand what success looks like, and work out how to balance your competing needs.
Custom Software Development
If the right tool doesn’t exist for your particular business problem, custom software could be the answer. We can help you understand your needs, explore ideas, and build you a tool if custom software is the right fit.
Tell us about your software project
We can help you understand your needs, explore ideas, and build you a tool if custom software is the right fit.
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