Superhuman half-love half-blocker roadmap
Split the product roadmap between what current lovers already value and what blocks adjacent users who value the same core benefit.
Why this can grow a startup
Most roadmaps overcorrect. If the team only chases missing features, the product becomes a flat checklist. If it only polishes what fans already love, the fit score may not move. Superhuman used survey answers to identify speed, focus, and keyboard shortcuts as the love layer, then looked at somewhat-disappointed speed lovers to find blockers such as mobile, calendaring, and integrations. The tactic keeps the product sharp while widening the circle of people who can honestly use it.
Company example
Superhuman devoted roughly half the roadmap to more speed, shortcuts, automation, and design details, while the other half addressed blockers like mobile, integrations, attachments, calendaring, unified inbox, search, and read receipts.
Source and metric
Source: First Round Review: How Superhuman Built an Engine to Find Product Market Fit · Browse First Round Review: How Superhuman Built an Engine to Find Product Market Fit tactics
The same PMF process took Superhuman’s very-disappointed score from 22% to 58% in three quarters.
When to use it
Use this when Product, Retention, Activation is relevant to roadmap, retention, activation and you can run a bounded test with a medium budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
Founder checklist
- Read First Round Review: How Superhuman Built an Engine to Find Product Market Fit and identify what is directly supported.
- Choose one channel context: Product, Retention, Activation.
- Define the test around The same PMF process took Superhuman’s very-disappointed score from 22% to 58% in three quarters..
- Set an owner, evidence window, and stop condition before launch.
Explore the context
Apply this with an operator
Turn isolated search tactics into a crawlable visibility system tied to demand and proof.