What is a Feature Factory?
Introduction
The term Push Mode has been used for at least three decades, maybe more.
Feature Factory seems to be a newly introduced, perhaps rebranded term synonymous with push mode.
Push Mode
A dominant characteristic of a technology-driven product delivery strategy is Push Mode (aka Technology Push).
Push Mode focuses on delivering new technologies and internally conceived product features.
Internally conceived product features are more likely to be disconnected from market needs and potentially complex or unnecessary.
Push mode may force specific solutions, product features, and technologies while ignoring or not fully understanding market needs.
Push Mode is exemplified in a product organization led by engineers who apply a technology-driven product delivery strategy to increase the value of a product by inflating a product's feature set.
Market Pull is the opposite approach to Push Mode.
Feature Factory
The Feature Factory concept is negatively portrayed and categorically cast as a bogyman to avoid.
Some have described push mode (feature factory) as a trap that may emotionally affect one's well-being. This is a bit of a stretch.
Push mode (feature factory) has negative implications but also has benefits to consider.
A push mode stance is advantageous when you have a limited budget and time, need to deliver the product quickly, cannot perform market research, or if it's an adopter's market.
Push mode allows the introduction of innovation and delivery of product features regularly, building customer trust and confidence.
In summary, push mode (feature factory) is a viable option for companies.