Data Work Isn’t Project Work.It’s Product Work
- Dave Findlay
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Most companies still treat data work like a project.
You gather requirements. You scope the work. You assign timelines and milestones. You define “done” as a completed dashboard, data pipeline, or platform rollout.
And then… nothing happens.
Or worse, the business doesn’t use what you’ve delivered. You hear “thanks,” maybe even “great job,” but the adoption just isn’t there.
That’s because most data projects stop short of what actually matters: making a real difference in how the business works.
Projects are built to be finished. Products are built to be used.
When you shift from project thinking to product thinking, everything changes:
• You start small and evolve.
• You prioritize adoption over delivery milestones.
• You co-create with the business instead of handing off requirements.
• You measure success based on outcomes, not output.
Here’s the core difference:
Projects | Products |
|---|---|
Requirements-focused | Needs-focused |
Focused on deliverables | Focused on adoption |
Completed when scope is delivered | Evolve based on feedback |
Success = on time, on budget | Success = used, useful, trusted |
Built by a delivery team | Co-created with the business |
Managed through timelines | Managed through feedback loops |
Fixed plan and scope | Iterative and adaptive |
Learning happens upfront | Learning happens continuously |
Pauses for change requests | Adapts in motion. Momentum never stops |
“Did we build it?” | “Is it making a difference?” |
Real-world example: defining vs. evolving
In project mode, a team might spend weeks gathering requirements upfront, trying to capture every detail.
Once those are locked in, delivery begins and if anything changes, it’s a change request.
In product mode, you treat your first delivery as version 1. You work with the business to prototype quickly, test ideas, get feedback, and adapt as you go. No change request needed — just momentum.
The outcome? You learn faster, build better, and increase the chances that your solution actually gets used.
What product thinking looks like in data
At Fuse Data, we use a operating model called "Define to Deliver", which is built around product principles:
Define: We start by understanding needs, not just capturing requests.
Align: We prioritize based on value, readiness, and impact, not just stakeholder urgency.
Design: We sketch, test, and refine solutions before building.
Deliver: We support adoption, measure impact, and improve over time.
The goal isn’t just to deliver a feature.
It’s to create something that actually lands.
Final Thought
Projects end when the timeline does.
Products evolve until they stop being useful.
If you want your data work to make a lasting impact, don’t just treat it like a project.
Treat it like a product.
At Fuse, we believe a great data strategy only matters if it leads to action.
If you’re ready to move from planning to execution — and build solutions your team will actually use — let’s talk.
