Thu Dec 9
It’s Official: Connected is a Remote-First Company.
Join us as we take you through our thinking behind our decision to enter the world of remote-first product development.
Blog
Thu May 19
Creativity & Product Teams: Better Together Than Apart
When you think of product development, words that may come to mind are prototypes, market research, and user testing. Other words that probably surfaced are agile development, UX design, and innovation. But one that may not have made the short-list is likely: creativity. Product teams may not realize it, but they engage in creativity every single day from the approaches they take for building prototypes to figuring out ways to collect feedback accurately from users. Paul Sobocinski, our Director of Engineering, Practice shares how software product teams and creativity are better together than apart, and how to leverage the power of imagination (an aspect of creativity) during a retrospective.
Thu May 19
New Job. New World. Same Values.
Some of us haven’t started new jobs during the pandemic but many of us have (including 100+ of the new Connectors that joined us these last two years!). For those who have, you acknowledge the challenges in getting acquainted with new processes, systems, and building relationships with colleagues remotely. Add this to ensuring that yourself and your loved ones stay safe and healthy. So, what’s the secret to successfully beginning a new job remotely? Values. Learn how Leanne Paura leveraged each of Connected’s values uniquely to overcome some of the challenges with transitioning to a remote-first world since she started in her role as VP of Design.
Tue May 10
Product Practice Pedagogy: Terrific Task Tracking
The Product Practice Forum (PPF) is an in-house ritual where product practitioners can seek peer-to-peer guidance, advice, and feedback on projects and problems. So I decided to utilize this resource and ask for feedback on my task tracking setup for a recent high-stakes project. Our team had to build a functioning prototype using new processes and technologies - all in 2-months.
Thu May 5
Connector Spotlight: Chris Kim
Not only is she often characterized as among the best and brightest - Chris Kim, Talent Acquisition Coordinator here at Connected, also has an undeniable knack for attracting the same. With a background stronger than steel but a soft spot for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Chris always brings her humble, honest, and hilarious self to everything she does. Just don't ask her how her favourite basketball team did in the playoffs.
Mon May 2
Behind the Grind: Lessons from a Product Leader, Episode 4 – A Unified Theory for Mission, Strategy & Experimentation
As a 0->1 product builder, you have strong conviction at the 100,00-foot level. But, at the 1,000-foot day-to-day level, you probably find yourself wondering what exactly you should be doing today to advance your goals for tomorrow. You may be getting frustrated over why friends, colleagues, investors and the media can’t see the opportunity or your vision for the product as clearly as you. And while it’s never easy to admit, you may also be “mistaking motion for progress,” a proven death blow for 0->1 teams.
Thu Apr 28
Connector Flashlight: Hassaan Abbasi
Connector Spotlight is a series where we shine a metaphorical light on Connectors to learn more about who they are, what they do, and what they like. While we have no shortage of star power to satisfy the series (just shy of 3 years worth, by my count), we also have some incredible interns who work here, too. And while it may not be a spotlight, we'd like to illuminate one intern in particular with a brand new, intern-centric series entitled Connector Flashlight. Easy-going, insatiably curious, and we'll never forget your face when you found out what Project Rhubarb REALY was. Hassaan, we'll miss you, but have little doubt you're on your way to doing great things.
Mon Apr 25
You’re Wrong & Don’t Know It: Selection Biases
Whether you’re designing a product for an intended target audience or trying to select a place for dinner, having the correct data is vital and a big step towards ensuring that you can sidestep Selection Biases. But what exactly are Selection Biases, and how can their impact be mitigated? That’s the topic of this edition of You’re Wrong & Don’t Know It