80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

person working on laptop



The 80/20 Rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. This principle can be applied in various fields, including business, economics, and personal productivity.

In product management, the 80/20 Rule can be used to prioritize features and tasks. By identifying the 20% of features that will provide 80% of the value to customers, product managers can focus their efforts on developing those features first. This approach can help save time and resources, while also ensuring that the most important features are delivered to customers quickly.

The 80/20 Rule can also be applied to customer segmentation. By identifying the 20% of customers who generate 80% of the revenue or who have the highest lifetime value, product managers can tailor their marketing and product development efforts to meet the needs of these high-value customers.

However, it is important to note that the 80/20 Rule is not a hard and fast rule. It is a general guideline that can help product managers make informed decisions about how to allocate their time and resources. In some cases, the ratio may be closer to 70/30 or even 90/10. Therefore, it is important to use data and analysis to determine the actual ratio for a specific product or market.

Overall, the 80/20 Rule is a useful tool for product managers to prioritize their efforts and maximize the value they deliver to customers. By focusing on the 20% of features, customers, or tasks that provide the most value, product managers can achieve better results with less effort.