The Netflix Product Kill Framework: Develop, Close, or Change Your Features

What Is the Product Kill Framework

There’s a simple and remarkably practical tool — apparently invented at Netflix — that sorts all features or products into three categories: develop, close, or change. I recently ran this exercise with one team. And then someone from the audience asked: where’s the Leave Everything As Is category?

Why “Leave It Alone” Has No Place in a Product Kill Decision Framework

When you think about it, this category does exist in modern product management. The only question is what to call it. Can’t bring myself to do it. Something like that. Because if you’re doing nothing with a product, it means the product is either already dead or slowly dying.

How Applying the Framework Made It Easier to Breathe

At that session, we decided to raise our hands anyway — and cheerfully shut down several products. The room felt lighter immediately.

Your Turn: Are You in Love with a Dead Feature

Take a moment to look at your own portfolio. Are there products you’re so attached to that you just can’t bring yourself to kill them?