Key Differences
A deep dive into what makes products fundamentally different from projects
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Section 2 of 5Detailed Comparison
The differences between products and projects extend far beyond timelines. They represent fundamentally different approaches to creating value.
Interactive Comparison Matrix
Duration
📋 Project
Fixed start and end date
📦 Product
Ongoing, no end date
Phases
📋 Project
Sequential: Plan → Build → Launch → Close
📦 Product
Continuous: Build → Measure → Learn → Repeat
Team Structure
📋 Project
Temporary, disbanded after completion
📦 Product
Persistent, dedicated long-term
Ownership
📋 Project
Handed off after delivery
📦 Product
Team owns product lifecycle
Success Measurement
📋 Project
On time, on budget, on scope
📦 Product
User satisfaction, business outcomes
KPIs
📋 Project
Completion percentage, milestone dates
📦 Product
Retention, engagement, revenue
Scope Changes
📋 Project
Avoided, considered "scope creep"
📦 Product
Expected, driven by learning
Requirements
📋 Project
Defined upfront, detailed specs
📦 Product
Emergent, based on user feedback
Key Takeaways
- •Projects optimize for delivery; products optimize for outcomes
- •Product teams are persistent and own the full lifecycle
- •Change is embraced in products, avoided in projects