20 top reads for product teams in 2024

"Yes, and." You might recognize this phrase, commonly used in improv comedy. It is a simple, yet powerful concept: One performer introduces an idea, and the next embraces and expands on it. This keeps the scene flowing and encourages creative collaboration (which makes it a helpful brainstorming technique, too). "Yes, and" is a great mindset for teamwork. As we look back on 2024, it is a reminder to celebrate what we have achieved so far. And, just as importantly, to use that momentum to build what's next.

This spirit of building together is reflected in the blog posts that resonated most with you this year. These reader favorites are a perfect example of progress, creativity, and collaboration in action.

For us, 2024 was a year of growth — driven by constant learning and steady effort. We expanded our software suite with two new products, Aha! Whiteboards and Aha! Knowledge, in addition to 70 product updates. With more direct conversations with customers than ever before, we gained valuable insights that helped shape our work. I am grateful for these connections and for the team's dedication to keep pushing forward.

Looking ahead, it is clear that the pace of change (and especially in tech) will continue to challenge product builders everywhere. But I am hopeful that with every challenge comes an opportunity to rethink how we build and deliver better solutions. The fundamentals remain the same: Focus on solving real problems and helping customers achieve their goals. We are committed to helping you do that too, and I am excited to see how we can grow together in 2025.

Progress happens when teams stay open to ideas, learn together, and embrace what is possible.

Your favorite blog posts this year reflect this spirit — a focus on growth and delivering meaningful outcomes. We gathered the top 20 stories for you to revisit and find fresh inspiration for the year ahead:

Stories from product experts and peers

You wanted to hear from real people. We shared insights from your fellow product builders in these posts, including those on the Aha! team:

1. 9 product leaders share their advice on product building

2. 6 essential parts of a product management playbook

3. You deserve a purpose-built whiteboard tool for product development

4. This one thing changed how we build software

5. The Aha! team on effective product development

6. The best career decision I ever made — Aha! PMs weigh in

Better process and product team partnerships

Solid workflows and healthy collaboration bolster the success of any product team. But this is tough to manage when calendars are overstuffed and opinions clash. These posts offered advice on how to work with greater efficiency and empathy:

7. The Minimum Tolerable Process

8. How many process meetings should a product manager attend?

9. Product manager vs. UX manager

10. 12 ways product managers annoy UX designers

11. Product managers vs. the world

Tips, tools, and templates for product management

Sometimes, the little things can be important catalysts for improvement. These posts rounded up quick ways to save time and get more done as a product manager, right now:

12. 100+ templates for every stage of product development

13. 5 new templates for sprint planning

14. 5 ways product managers can use AI — right now

15. 30 expert tips for using virtual whiteboards

16. 4 templates for better stakeholder alignment on product plans

A new framework for product development

This year, we also revealed our own product development methodology, called The Aha! Framework. We shared the activities we practice in each stage of product development and wrote about how our framework compares to other well-known approaches. This method has powered our success for many years. Our hope is that it can do the same for you:

17. Introducing The Aha! Framework for product development

18. The Aha! Framework vs. scrum vs. SAFe® vs. kanban

19. Balance strategic planning and agile delivery using The Aha! Framework

20. Is The Aha! Framework right for you? Use this new checklist.

Celebrate what you achieved and all that you worked toward in 2024. Then, let's channel that energy into starting the new year with purpose.

As always, thank you for your continued readership of this blog and feedback on what we write. We will keep doing our best to share bold ideas that inspire you to build better products — all while bringing greater joy to the process. We look forward to sharing more stories in the new year. Stay tuned.

Looking for a better way to work? Try Aha! and be happy.