AI made feasibility almost trivial. Not touched: value, viability, or usability (www.leadinginproduct.com)

The rise of AI-assisted coding has significantly increased software engineers' productivity, making it tempting for leadership teams to view product managers as an unnecessary expense. However, a recent analysis argues that this perspective is misguided. While modern AI tools have made it easier to build software, they do not address critical dimensions such as value, viability, and usability—areas that a product manager excels in. Effective market positioning, pricing strategy, and messaging are essential for a product's success, transcending mere coding capabilities. As the cost of building software decreases, the new challenge lies in making strategic decisions about what to build, for whom, and how to communicate its value. This shift emphasizes the importance of judgment and insight in product management rather than just execution speed. The article suggests that founders and CTOs should reconsider their approach to product management, ensuring teams focus on deep customer understanding and business viability, rather than simply managing code. In an AI-driven landscape, the teams that thrive will be those that prioritize strategic decision-making over rapid deployment.