Gil Keini, Head of Product, EIS

August 19, 2024

In an era marked by increasing uncertainties and the growing threat of extreme events, developing crisis-ready infrastructure is no longer optional but necessary. As product managers, we are at the forefront of this endeavor, ensuring that the products developed are functional, resilient, secure, and of the highest quality. Our role is pivotal in shaping solutions that can withstand the tests of time and adversity, providing a reliable backbone for critical infrastructure in times of crisis.

Integrating Resilience, Quality, and Security in Product Design

The foundation of any crisis-ready infrastructure begins with a robust design. In product management, this means embedding resilience, quality, and security into every stage of the product development lifecycle. Resilience ensures the system can recover quickly from disruptions, while quality guarantees consistent performance even under stress. Security is equally crucial, as the threats faced during crises often include cyber-attacks and other malicious activities aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities to create or increase chaos and damage. By integrating these elements into the design process, we create products that are not just reactive but proactive, anticipating challenges and addressing them before they escalate.

This integration requires a holistic approach, where every system component is evaluated for its ability to perform under extreme conditions. It also involves rigorous testing, where products are subjected to simulated crisis scenarios to identify potential weaknesses. This proactive approach allows for the continuous refining of the product, ensuring it remains robust in the face of evolving threats.

Collaborative Development with Stakeholders

Crisis-ready infrastructure cannot be developed in isolation. It requires collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sector partners, and technology experts. Each stakeholder brings unique insights and expertise critical to creating comprehensive solutions. As product managers, we must facilitate these collaborations, ensuring that all voices are heard and that the product meets the needs of all involved parties.

For instance, governments may provide insights into regulatory requirements and potential crisis scenarios, while private sector partners can offer technological innovations and practical applications. By bringing these perspectives together, we can develop products that are not only technologically advanced but also aligned with society’s broader needs. This collaborative approach also ensures that our solutions are adaptable and capable of evolving as new challenges emerge.

Iterative Product Development for Crisis Scenarios

The dynamic nature of crisis scenarios necessitates an iterative approach to product development. Rather than a one-time design and deployment, products must be continuously tested, refined, expanded, and improved. This iterative process involves creating prototypes, conducting stress tests, gathering feedback from users and stakeholders, and making necessary adjustments. By continually refining the product, we can enhance its effectiveness and reliability, ensuring that it performs optimally when it is needed most.

This approach also allows flexibility, enabling us to respond to new information and changing conditions. In a crisis, adapting quickly can make the difference between success and failure. By embedding this flexibility into our product development process, we ensure that our infrastructure solutions are resilient and agile, capable of responding to extreme events even if they are rare.

We are all connected. We are all vulnerable.

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By: Gil Keini