apps/web/content/handbook/teams/2.product.mdx
Product at Char is about taste and judgment. We have strong opinions about how software should feel — and we expect everyone working on product to develop those opinions too.
User journey obsession — Every feature, every screen, every interaction is part of a journey: onboarding → activation → retention. Ask yourself: does this make Char stickier? Does this reduce friction?
Reduce cognitive load — Our product exists to take burden off people. The product itself should never add burden. If something requires explanation, it's probably too complex.
Human-first design — AI assists, humans decide. The user should always feel in control. We say "notetaking" not "notetaker" — the human is active, the AI is the tool.
Remove more than you add — Simplicity is a feature. When in doubt, cut scope. A focused product that does one thing exceptionally well beats a bloated one that does many things adequately.
Product people at Char should be technical. Read the code, understand the architecture, know what's feasible. The best product decisions come from people who can prototype, not just spec.