Eida

From Prototype to Perfection: 5 Steps to Roll Out Your Product Like Sushi.

   

Building and delivering a great product is much like rolling sushi — it’s a delicate balance of precision, creativity, and iteration. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of managing GovSupply, where I learned the ropes from scratch by observing my bosses and through the sharing of knowledge by my peers. Every experience — whether from mistakes, successes, or the wisdom of those around me — has added a new layer of insight.

Previously, I gained invaluable lessons from my Product Owners at CPFB and my boss-cum-comrades. Now, at MTI, I’m continuing to hone my craft under the guidance of my bosses and brilliant peers.

I’ll admit — I haven’t gotten it right. But, like sushi-making, product delivery is an iterative process. And through the years, I’ve also realised that we don’t always have the luxury of starting with a perfect foundation (the rice). While this can be costly, experience counts — with familiarity of similar user types, you can move fast, deliver quickly, and iterate based on real user feedback.

Here’s a simple, instructional guide to rolling out your product like sushi — step by step — with a focus on iteration, flavour, and delight.

Suiting up and diving into the art of sushi-making — the journey begins!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients (Lay the Foundation)

Just as sushi starts with the freshest ingredients, product delivery begins with a strong foundation. This means gathering the right requirements, conducting user research, and identifying the problem you’re solving.

Throughout the year, I observed that we might not always have the chance to get the foundation (rice) in a perfect condition, though it can be costly overall. This is where experience counts — having past experience with similar types of users helps navigate these challenges.

Lessons from GovSupply
  • Observe and Learn: When I started with GovSupply, I didn’t have all the answers. I studied user pain points and slowly began building a solid understanding.
  • Start Simple: Don’t try to build a complex, feature-packed product from the beginning. Ensure that core functionality solves the most crucial problem you’re solving and provides clear value to users. Start with the “rice” — the core foundation of your product.
Key Questions
  • Do I understand the problem we’re solving?
  • Have I validated the requirements with users and stakeholders?

Pro Tip: Like sushi rice, the foundation of your product must be consistent and reliable. Without it, nothing else will hold together.

Step 2: Roll the First Prototype (The MVP)

Your first roll will rarely be perfect — and that’s okay. Sushi chefs don’t master the art of rolling on their first try, and neither do product teams. The goal of the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is to test your ideas, gather feedback, and iterate.

Lessons from GovSupply
  • Learn by Doing: Patricia taught me that you don’t need a perfect product to start. Launching a functional prototype early helps you understand what works and what doesn’t.
  • Embrace Imperfection: A first roll might fall apart — use feedback to refine it.
Key Questions
  • What’s the simplest version of this product that solves the problem?
  • How can I quickly test this with users?

Pro Tip: Think of your MVP as your first sushi roll — it might not look perfect, but it’s a step closer to mastering the craft.

My first prototype — shaping the foundation of what could become the perfect roll.

Step 3: Add Flavour (Incorporate Feedback)

Great sushi is about balance — the right mix of ingredients to create a harmonious flavour. Similarly, a great product balances user needs, stakeholder expectations, and business goals.

Lessons from My Team in MTI
  • Team Wisdom: Lena, Siew Ling, and Daniel demonstrated how to take feedback from discussions and translate it into actionable improvements.
  • Iterate with Purpose: Focus on refining based on the most critical feedback rather than trying to fix everything at once.
Key Questions
  • Have I gathered user feedback?
  • What adjustments will improve the product without overcomplicating it?

Pro Tip: Feedback is the seasoning of your product — too much can overwhelm, but the right amount brings out its best qualities.

Adding flavour — every detail counts when creating something truly delightful.

Step 4: Plate with Precision (Deliver with Delight)

In sushi, presentation matters. In product delivery, the user experience (UX) is your presentation. Even the most functional product needs to feel seamless and delightful to use.

Lessons from CPFB and My Boss-Cum-Comrades and Team Mate In GovWallet Suite Team
  • Strategic Thinking: Woon Ee, Ming Mei, Joycelyn, Raymond, Lydia, Kah Kong, and Yong Peng showed me the importance of looking ahead and thinking strategically about user impact. A well-plated sushi roll and a well-delivered product both leave lasting impressions.
  • Commitment to Quality: The GovWallet Suite team always strived to deliver features that were as presentable as possible.
    • Adam Chee, Auron Siow, Alvin Choong, Alvin Siew, Choon Keat Chew, Chong Ye, Dalson Tan, Dickson Tan, Dingz, Immanuella Lim, Jia Jie Yong, Josh Tan, Kai Hong Koh, Melisa Wong, Ryan Goh, Tan Roy, Satoshi, Shiau Hui Lee, Visa, and Wynn Chen — the ones who approach their work with the same meticulous care as sushi chefs, ensuring every detail is plated to perfection.
    • Ex-comrades Sze Ying and Seb — for being part of this journey and contributing to the lessons learned along the way.
Key Questions
  • Is the product easy and enjoyable to use?
  • Have I delivered a “wow” moment for the user?

Pro Tip: Delight isn’t just a bonus — it’s the wasabi that keeps users coming back for more.

Step 5: Iterate, Iterate, Iterate (Practice Makes Perfect)

No sushi chef stops after their first roll, and no product is ever truly “finished.” Continuous iteration is key to improvement. Learn from every launch, every user interaction, and every challenge.

My Approach Now
  • Stay Humble: I’ve learnt so much from everyone who has crossed my path so far, but I know there’s always more to improve.
  • Seek Feedback: Whether it’s from users, colleagues, or stakeholders, every perspective adds value.
Key Questions
  • What worked well in this iteration?
  • What can I improve in the next?

Pro Tip: Treat every launch like a new roll of sushi. Each iteration builds on the last, bringing you closer to perfection.

A Final Note: Sushi and Product Delivery are Never-Ending Crafts

I’ll be the first to admit I haven’t mastered it all. Every project, every team, and every stakeholder teaches me something new. But that’s the beauty of it — just like sushi-making, product management is a lifelong craft.

Whether you’re preparing sushi or rolling out a product, remember:

  • Start with a strong foundation.
  • Iterate based on feedback.
  • Deliver with precision and delight.

I’d love to hear your views — what’s worked for you in your product delivery journey? After all, the best sushi (and the best products) are made with collaboration, learning, and passion.

Let’s keep rolling!