Product Trio
A product trio is a subset of a cross-functional product team who is responsible for leading the product discovery process—deciding what to build—that the full team is responsible for building.
Product trios are typically comprised of a product manager, a designer, and a software engineer. These are the three roles that—at a minimum—are required to create good digital products.
The trio is jointly responsible for a shared outcome and works collaboratively throughout the entire discovery and delivery process.
How do product trios work?
Product trios work together from beginning to end:
- Interview customers together
- Map the opportunity space together
- Choose a target opportunity together
- Generate solutions together
- Test and develop those solutions together
What is the key principle for product trios?
The product trio must be part of (not separate from) the team responsible for building the product. The trio leads discovery, but they're embedded in the delivery team—not a separate group that hands off requirements.
Why should teams work in product trios?
The goal is to balance speed of decision-making with quality of decision-making. Three people can move fast together while still bringing diverse viewpoints—representing product, design, and technical perspectives—to every decision.
Teams working as trios report higher satisfaction with their team and company. When product managers, designers, and engineers work together as product trios, they have more impact.
Learn more:
- Product Trios: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Get Started
Related terms:
- Empowered Team
- Continuous Discovery
- Product Team
- Collaboration
Last Updated: October 25, 2025