Contributors
Dorit Josey
Engineering Manager
Ahmad Nao
Engineering Manager
Tallie Roemmich
Engineering Manager
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Research
5 min read
PM mental models
Product managers rely on mental models to simplify complexity and make better decisions. These frameworks help prioritize tasks, break down problems, and focus on delivering user value. Clear mental models guide both the speed and direction of a project.
Introduction
Product Managers deal with complexity daily. Mental models act like shortcuts that allow PMs to simplify tough decisions, prioritize features, and communicate effectively with their teams. From “first principles thinking” to “opportunity cost” and “second-order consequences,” these frameworks enable PMs to create clarity in ambiguous situations and guide the team toward building products that users actually need.
“A mental model is not reality, but it helps us navigate reality.”
Software and tools
Product managers apply mental models more effectively when supported by the right platforms. Miro provides a visual space for mapping frameworks and sharing them across teams. Productboard helps connect those models to real customer needs and feedback, ensuring priorities are grounded in evidence. Finally, Jira operationalizes decisions by breaking them into clear tasks. Together, these tools offer a pragmatic way to move from abstract thinking to actionable execution.
Other resources
Farnam Street’s online library of mental models.
Marty Cagan’s Inspired for deeper product thinking.
Blogs from Mind the Product community.
