Product Strategy

Jobs-to-be-Done

A framework for understanding customer motivations by focusing on the 'job' they hire a product or service to do.

product-developmentcustomer-researchinnovationstrategy

The Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) framework helps businesses understand why customers make purchasing decisions. Instead of focusing on demographics or product features, JTBD examines the progress customers are trying to make in specific circumstances.

Core Principle

Customers don't buy products; they 'hire' them to get a job done. Understanding this job reveals true customer motivations and unmet needs.

Components

1

Job Statement

Define the functional, emotional, and social dimensions of the job

Format: When [situation], I want to [motivation], so I can [expected outcome]

2

Job Steps

Break down the job into discrete steps the customer takes

Map the entire process from beginning to end, identifying pain points at each step

3

Success Criteria

Define how customers measure success for this job

Both quantitative metrics and qualitative outcomes

4

Competing Solutions

Identify all alternatives customers consider

Include non-consumption and workarounds, not just direct competitors

When to Use

  • Developing new products or features
  • Understanding why customers switch to competitors
  • Identifying unmet customer needs
  • Improving product positioning and messaging

Benefits

  • +Reveals true customer motivations beyond stated preferences
  • +Identifies non-obvious competition
  • +Guides innovation toward real customer needs
  • +Creates customer-centric product strategy

Limitations

  • !Requires deep customer research and interviews
  • !Can be time-intensive to implement properly
  • !May reveal opportunities outside current business model

Real-World Examples

Milkshake Marketing

Industry: Food & Beverage

Fast-food chain discovered morning commuters hired milkshakes to make their commute more interesting and keep them full until lunch

Outcome: Redesigned morning milkshake to be thicker and more filling, increasing morning sales

Resources

book

Competing Against Luck

Clayton Christensen's definitive guide to JTBD