The Anatomy of Product

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, host Dave West sits down with authors Sander Dur and Ryan Brook to explore their new book, The Anatomy of a Product—a practical field guide that uses the human body as a metaphor to demystify modern product management.

Dave, Sander, and Ryan dive into why so many organizations still struggle to define and manage products effectively, and how this book helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. They discuss treating products as living systems, the dangers of “marshmallow backlogs,” the need for evidence-driven decisions, and why continuous care and adaptation are essential for healthy products.

The authors share insights from working with organizations like Miro, unpack common “product diseases,” and offer actionable guidance for Product Owners, product teams, and leaders seeking clarity in today’s complex environment.

Listeners are invited to connect with the authors and join them at their book launch event in Amsterdam on January 13!

Key Points

Why the Book? Clarifies what a product is and offers a practical guide from definition to retirement. Human Body Metaphor Products are like living systems—interconnected, adaptive, and influenced by their environment. Theory vs. Practice Helps teams apply product concepts realistically, beyond Silicon Valley-style theory. Insights from real examples Real-world examples showing how to balance strategy, business thinking, and everyday product work. Backlog Health Avoid “marshmallow backlogs” by filtering work through strategic goals and focusing on value. Validation & Evidence Emphasizes validating ideas early and aligning efforts to outcomes, not just requirements. Product Health Introduces “product diseases” and how to diagnose and prevent common issues.

Links:

Book Launch event

The Anatomy of a Product