| name | working-backwards |
| description | Help PMs apply the working backwards methodology. Use when defining a new product, writing a PR/FAQ, or planning from a future state. |
Working Backwards
Help PMs apply the working backwards methodology: start from the customer and desired outcome, then work backward to define the product. Produces PR/FAQ, press release, and customer-first plans.
When to Use
- Defining a new product or major initiative
- Writing a PR/FAQ (Press Release / Frequently Asked Questions)
- Planning from a future state
- Clarifying value proposition before building
- When asked "help me think backwards" or "write a press release"
Process / Template
1. Define the Future State
- Customer — who is this for?
- Problem — what pain are we solving?
- Ideal outcome — what does success look like for the customer?
- Emotional payoff — how does the customer feel when it works?
2. Write the Press Release
Imagine the product is launched. Write a 1-page press release as if it's real:
Headline
- Bold, benefit-focused (not feature-focused)
Subhead
- One sentence: who it's for and why it matters
Problem
- 1–2 paragraphs: the pain today
Solution
- What we built and how it solves the problem
Quote
- Customer or executive quote (aspirational)
Call to Action
- How to get it, try it, learn more
Closing
- Company boilerplate (optional)
3. Write the FAQ
Anticipate questions from internal and external audiences:
Customer FAQ
- What is it? How do I get it? How much does it cost?
- What if I have [edge case]?
Internal FAQ
- Why are we building this? What's the business model?
- What are we not building? What's out of scope?
- How will we measure success? What could go wrong?
4. Derive Requirements
From the press release and FAQ:
- What must be true for the press release to be accurate?
- What are the must-have capabilities?
- What can we defer to v2?
5. Validate
- Does the press release pass the "so what?" test?
- Would a customer care? Would they share it?
- Is the problem real and meaningful?
Output
A Working Backwards Package including:
- Press Release — 1 page, customer-facing, benefit-led
- FAQ — customer and internal questions with answers
- Implications — what we must build (high-level)
This becomes the north star for the product and can feed into a PRD or one-pager.
