Product deconstruction means breaking down a product into its core features to deeply understand how and why it was built the way it is. By analyzing a product at this detailed level, you can see what works, what doesn’t, and why the product team made certain choices.
Why is it Important for a Product Manager?
For a product manager, deconstructing products is crucial because it sharpens the product manager’s ability to spot what makes a product successful or flawed. This process:
Builds a deeper understanding of who the users are, their needs, and business goals.
Reveals hidden strengths and weaknesses in a product’s design.
Helps identify opportunities for improvement or innovation.
Today, we will do a deconstruction activity on LinkedIn, which is the world's largest professional network, helping you build connections and achieve your career goals. Discover opportunities, gain industry insights, and strengthen your professional brand. Connect with colleagues, find jobs, and stay informed in your field.
Step 1 - Define the user segments, their needs or use cases, and how the product solves them.
Step 2 - Break down the top 3 features, the problem solved, and why it works.
Step 3 - Do competitive analysis.
1. LinkedIn vs. Indeed
LinkedIn Strengths:
Strong professional networking capabilities.
Rich personal branding tools (profiles, endorsements, content).
Premium features for job seekers, recruiters, and sales professionals.
In-depth company and connection insights.
Native content and thought leadership ecosystem.
LinkedIn Weaknesses:
Limited reach in blue-collar job markets.
Some jobs require leaving LinkedIn to apply (not always Easy Apply).
Premium is expensive for individual users.
Indeed Strengths:
Massive job listing volume, including blue-collar and hourly jobs.
Simple interface with resume upload and direct employer contact.
Strong SEO – appears at the top of most job searches on Google.
Indeed Weaknesses:
Weak or no networking component.
No rich profile or personal branding tools.
Lower engagement features; users visit mainly to search/apply.
2. LinkedIn vs. Glassdoor
LinkedIn Strengths:
Strong job matching and recruiter tools.
Community interaction via posts, groups, and content.
Built-in learning platform and creator ecosystem.
LinkedIn Weaknesses:
Limited anonymous employer reviews.
Less transparency on salary and employee sentiment.
Glassdoor Strengths:
Company reviews, salary reports, and interview tips from real employees.
Better for researching company culture and pay benchmarks.
Anonymous and employee-verified feedback.
Glassdoor Weaknesses:
Weak job search engine compared to LinkedIn or Indeed.
No networking or professional growth tools.
Less engagement and content-driven traffic.
3. LinkedIn vs. Upwork (for freelancers)
LinkedIn Strengths:
Better for building a long-term brand and authority.
Easier to connect with clients, partners, and industry peers.
Can generate organic leads through content and messaging.
LinkedIn Weaknesses:
No dedicated system for freelancer-client contracts or payments.
Hard to compete without strong content or referrals.
Upwork Strengths:
Project-based gig matching with built-in contracts and payments.
Verified reviews, milestones, and escrow protections.
Clear categorization of freelance jobs.
Upwork Weaknesses:
High competition and platform fees.
Harder to build a long-term brand; more transactional.
Step 4 - Identify the Opportunities or Suggested Improvements.
Verified university student-only alumni groups.
Career Advice Hub to mentorship and tips from professionals.
Suggest improvements in the resume based on the job.
Mock Interview Simulator.
Allow professionals to list and book their advisory services for a skill.