The CIRCLES framework is a 7-step process for product managers to solve design problems.
About this framework
Creator:
Lewis C. Lin
Used for:
Design
The CIRCLES framework is a problem-solving framework that helps product managers (PMs) make a thorough and thoughtful response to any design question. The seven linear steps of the process form the CIRCLES acronym:
Comprehend the situation. What is the problem that you are trying to solve? What are the specific needs of your users? What are the constraints that you are working with?
Identify the customer. Who are you building the product for? What are their pain points? What are their goals?
Report the customer's needs. What do your users need from the product? What are their requirements? What are their desired outcomes?
Cut through prioritization. Not all needs are created equal. What are the most important needs to address? What are the needs that can wait?
List solutions. Brainstorm a list of possible solutions to the problem. Be creative and don't be afraid to think outside the box.
Evaluate tradeoffs. Consider the pros and cons of each solution. What are the risks and benefits of each approach?
Summarize your recommendation. Based on your analysis, what is the best solution to the problem? Why is this the best solution?
https://chisellabs.com/blog/circles-method/
The CIRCLES framework can be used to solve any type of product design problem, from small usability issues to large-scale strategic initiatives. It is a valuable tool for PMs to have in their toolkit, as it helps them to think critically about the problem, gather the right information, and make informed decisions.
Here are some additional benefits of using the CIRCLES framework:
It helps PMs to stay focused on the user. The first three steps of the framework (comprehend the situation, identify the customer, and report the customer's needs) all focus on understanding the user and their needs. This helps PMs to create products that are truly valuable to users.
It helps PMs to make better decisions. The last four steps of the framework (cut through prioritization, list solutions, evaluate tradeoffs, and summarize your recommendation) all help PMs to make better decisions about the product. This is because the framework forces PMs to consider all of the options and to weigh the pros and cons of each approach.
It helps PMs to communicate effectively. The CIRCLES framework can be used to create a clear and concise communication plan for the product. This can be helpful for communicating with stakeholders, users, and the development team.
