Five Types of Feature Requests That May Warrant Rejection

Handling feature requests is a critical responsibility. While many requests bring value and insights, there are instances where rejecting a request becomes necessary.

“Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.” — Steve Jobs

In this article, we will explore five types of feature requests that may warrant rejection, along with an additional category that addresses features solving one problem while creating multiple others.

Out-of-Scope Requests

One common type of feature request that product managers encounter is those that fall outside the intended purpose or scope of the product. These requests may not align with the product’s core value proposition or target audience.

Unfeasible requests

Certain feature requests may not be technically feasible due to limitations in technology or the product’s architecture. If implementing a feature requires extensive changes to the system, disrupts existing functionalities, or poses stability or security risks, rejecting the request becomes necessary.

For instance, if a mobile app is requested to work offline without a reliable data synchronization mechanism, it may not be technically feasible to achieve a seamless user experience.

Low-impact requests

Some feature requests might have a limited impact on the overall user experience or the product’s value proposition. It is crucial to prioritize features that align with the product’s strategic goals and offer significant benefits.

Poorly justified requests

Feature requests lacking clear justification or failing to demonstrate a strong user need or business case may not be prioritized. As a product manager, it is vital to base decisions on data-driven insights, user feedback, market analysis, and an understanding of user personas and pain points.

Features that solve a problem but create multiple new problems!

Some feature requests may solve a specific problem faced by users but introduce several unintended consequences or create multiple new problems. It is essential to evaluate the potential risks and negative impacts before proceeding.

Example: On Marketplace to solve High Cancelation Rate, restricting the user to canceling the order after the order gets confirmed by the seller.
this will lead to a high Contact Rate with the Call-center or even refusal to receive the shipment on delivery.

Conclusion

Effective feature request management is a delicate balancing act that requires careful consideration of various factors.

Adding new features to a product should be approached with caution, taking into account the users’ abilities and cognitive loads, available resources, post-release support, and most importantly, alignment with the product’s vision and strategy.

It is crucial to ensure that any feature addition enhances the user experience without compromising the simplicity and intuitiveness of the product.

By carefully evaluating feature requests and making informed decisions, product managers can maintain the integrity and success of their products.

Rejecting certain requests becomes necessary when they deviate from the product’s vision, introduce unnecessary complexity, or lack justifiable user demand. Remembering Steve Jobs’ wise words that deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do, product managers can prioritize high-value enhancements and focus on features that truly align with the product’s goals and resonate with the users.