KIOSSK Framework: A Japanese-Inspired Approach to Product Strategy and Roadmaps
A framework that blends Japanese principles to streamline both strategy and execution, ensuring clarity, consistency, and excellence in your product journey.
The product team was overwhelmed. Their roadmap was overloaded, and nothing seemed to align with the bigger picture. Meetings ended without decisions, and the excitement that once fueled the project had vanished. That’s when Maya, the product lead, introduced a new approach—KIOSSK, a Japanese-inspired framework that was about to change everything.
Maya started with a simple but crucial question: Why are we building this product? The team had been so focused on deadlines and features that they’d lost sight of the bigger picture. They took a step back and realized their purpose: “We’re here to empower small businesses to thrive online.” This was their Ikigai—the purpose that would anchor them throughout the process. It wasn’t just a motivational phrase; it became the core around which they structured their strategy.
With this new clarity, Maya turned the team’s attention to their roadmap. It was cluttered, full of features that seemed disconnected from their product’s purpose. Maya introduced Seiri, the principle of simplifying and cutting out distractions. The team had to be ruthless, removing features that didn’t directly support their Ikigai. The process was tough, but the more they simplified, the more focused their path became. The room’s energy shifted from chaos to control as their roadmap transformed into a clear, purposeful strategy.
But clarity wasn’t enough—they needed momentum. Maya knew that waiting for the perfect product would stall progress. So, they embraced Kaizen—the practice of making small, continuous improvements. They began releasing early, gathering feedback, and adjusting as they went. To keep the team on track, Maya also introduced OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), which set clear, measurable goals for every improvement. Each small win felt like a step forward, and they quickly saw progress.
To maintain this rhythm, the team implemented Osoji. Regular check-ins and routines kept everything running smoothly. Instead of scrambling to fix last-minute issues, the team caught problems early and stayed ahead. Their once-chaotic meetings were now brief and productive. With routines in place, they weren’t just moving forward—they were sprinting toward their goals.
As the product evolved, Maya reminded the team of Kodawari—the importance of attention to detail. Even as they simplified and iterated, quality was never sacrificed. Every interaction was carefully crafted. The product wasn’t just functional; it was exceptional. The team took pride in the details, and it showed in user feedback—they weren’t just meeting expectations, they were exceeding them.
Of course, not everything went according to plan. There were bugs, missed deadlines, and last-minute market changes. But instead of panicking, the team embraced Shikata ga nai—acceptance. They knew some things couldn’t be controlled, and rather than fight against the inevitable, they adapted. Each setback became a chance to regroup, rethink, and adjust their approach. What once would have derailed them now only made them stronger.
By the time they launched, the product wasn’t just a collection of features—it was a cohesive solution with a clear purpose. The KIOSSK framework had given the team more than just tools; it had transformed how they worked, aligning them with their vision and empowering them to move forward with confidence.
Key Learnings from KIOSSK:
Kodawari: Commit to excellence in every detail to deliver quality.
Ikigai: Lead with a purpose-driven strategy that aligns all decisions.
Osoji: Maintain consistent routines to ensure progress and alignment.
Seiri: Simplify your roadmap by focusing on high-impact priorities.
Shikata ga nai: Accept and adapt to setbacks with resilience and flexibility.
Kaizen: Implement small, continuous improvements and set clear, measurable OKRs to track progress.