First Observe Yourself

Julie Zhuo's advice for developing product sense starts with something surprisingly simple: observe yourself. Every time you use a new app, notice your emotions at each step. When were you confused? When did it click? What led you here in the first place?

This is powerful parenting advice hiding in plain sight.

Before you can understand why your child is having a rough time, understand what's happening to you. Are you tired? Hungry? Touched out? Anxious about something at work? Notice it. Name it. Because your emotional state is part of their environment.

Then expand the circles. Observe your child - not to judge or fix, but to notice patterns. What happened right before the meltdown? What were they doing when they were happiest? When do transitions go smoothly versus badly?

Julie says product sense comes from constant observation and curiosity. Parenting sense works the same way. The parents who really understand their kids aren't smarter - they're more observant. They've trained themselves to notice.

And it all starts with noticing yourself first.