What Is a Product Goal and How Should It Be Formulated?
A Product Goal is an intermediate, outcome-driven milestone that advances the Product Vision; it should be aligned to the vision, clear, concise, measurable, and transparent to the team and stakeholders. It guides backlog management and shared direction.
Metaphor
A Product Goal is like dropping a pin on Google Maps for your road trip—you’re not at the final vacation spot yet, but you know exactly which city you’re driving toward. The pin gives everyone the same destination, keeps you from wandering down random backroads, and makes it easier to measure how much closer you’re getting.
Likewise, a Product Goal translates the big vision into a clear, trackable waypoint that steers backlog management and aligns the team’s direction.
Works Consulted
In addition to any sources cited above, the following works informed my thinking: (1)