Product feature prioritization using the Hidden Structure method: A practical case at Ericsson

In this paper, we present a case were we employ the Hidden Structure method to product feature prioritization at Ericsson. The method extends the more common Design Structure Matrix (DSM) approach that has been used in technology management (e.g. project management and systems engineering) for quite some time in order to model complex systems and processes. The hidden structure method focuses on analyzing a DSM based on coupling and modularity theory, and it has been used in a number of software architecture and software portfolio cases. In previous work by the authors the method was tested on organization transformation at Ericsson, however this is the first time it has been employed in the domain of product feature prioritization. Today, at Ericsson, features are prioritized based on a business case approach where each feature is handled isolated from other features and the main focus is customer or market-based requirements. By employing the hidden structure method we show that features are heavily dependent on each other in a complex network, thus they should not be treated as isolated islands. These dependencies need to be considered when prioritizing features in order to save time and money, as well as increase end customer satisfaction.