Feature Request in Product Management

Introduction

When you use a product, you might think of ways it could be better. These ideas are called feature requests. In product management, handling these requests well is key to building products users love.

In this article, we will explore what feature requests are, why they matter, and how product teams manage them to create better products. You will learn practical tips and examples from the no-code and low-code world.

What Is a Feature Request?

A feature request is a suggestion from users, stakeholders, or team members about adding or improving a product feature. It helps product managers understand what users want next.

Feature requests can come from many sources:

• Customers using the product daily
• Sales or support teams hearing user feedback
• Internal teams spotting gaps or new opportunities

For example, a user of a no-code app builder like Bubble might request a new drag-and-drop widget. This input guides the product team on what to build next.

Why Are Feature Requests Important?

Feature requests are valuable because they connect product development with real user needs. Ignoring them can lead to building features no one uses.

Here are key reasons feature requests matter:

• Customer satisfaction: Listening to requests shows users you care.
• Prioritization: Helps decide what to build first based on demand.
• Innovation: Users often suggest creative ideas product teams hadn’t thought of.
• Market fit: Ensures the product stays relevant and competitive.

For example, Glide, a no-code app platform, actively collects feature requests to improve its templates and integrations, keeping users engaged.

How to Collect Feature Requests Effectively

Collecting feature requests is the first step in managing them well. Here are common methods product teams use:

• Feedback forms: Simple forms embedded in apps or websites.
• User interviews: Talking directly to users to gather detailed ideas.
• Community forums: Platforms like Reddit or product-specific forums where users share ideas.
• Support tickets: Analyzing customer support messages for repeated requests.
• Social media monitoring: Tracking mentions and suggestions on Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.

For instance, Zapier uses a public feature request board where users can vote on ideas, helping prioritize popular requests.

Best Practices for Managing Feature Requests

Once collected, feature requests need careful handling to be useful. Here are best practices:

• Organize and categorize: Group similar requests to avoid duplicates.
• Evaluate impact and effort: Assess how valuable and feasible each request is.
• Prioritize transparently: Use clear criteria like user demand, business goals, and technical complexity.
• Communicate with users: Update requesters on status to build trust.
• Use tools: Platforms like Jira, Trello, or Productboard help track and manage requests.

FlutterFlow, a low-code app builder, uses a combination of community voting and internal review to decide which features to develop next.

Examples of Feature Request Impact

Feature requests have led to important improvements in many products. Here are some examples:

• Bubble: Added new API connectors after many users requested easier integrations.
• Make (formerly Integromat): Introduced advanced error handling features based on user feedback.
• Glide: Developed offline mode after users asked for better mobile usability.

These examples show how listening to users can directly improve product value and user experience.

Conclusion

Feature requests are a vital part of product management. They help you understand what users want and guide your development efforts. By collecting, organizing, and prioritizing requests carefully, you can build products that truly meet user needs.

Using real examples from no-code and low-code platforms shows how effective feature request management leads to better products and happier users. Start engaging with your users today and make feature requests a core part of your product strategy.