📊 Feature Prioritization
Product managers face infinite feature requests but finite resources. Prioritization frameworks provide structured methods to evaluate and rank features objectively. No single framework is perfect — experienced PMs combine multiple frameworks and layer in judgment. The goal is not mathematical precision but disciplined thinking that reduces bias.
Prioritization Frameworks
RICE
Reach × Impact × Confidence ÷ Effort — quantitative scoring for backlog items
MoSCoW
Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, Won't Have — categorical prioritization
Kano Model
Basic, Performance, Excitement — categorizes features by user satisfaction impact
ICE
Impact × Confidence × Ease — simpler alternative to RICE for rapid scoring
Real-World Example
Intercom uses RICE scoring for their product roadmap. When they had to choose between building a chatbot feature and improving their existing inbox, RICE scoring revealed the chatbot had 10x the reach but lower confidence. They chose to prototype the chatbot first (reducing confidence risk) before committing to full development — a nuanced use of the framework.