Does Domain Experience Really Matter?

It’s not just what you built — it’s why you built it.

As product managers, we often talk about domain experience like it’s a badge. But it’s not about the number of features shipped or dashboards delivered. It’s about understanding what prompted you to build them in the first place.

The “Why” stays fairly constant. The “How” keeps evolving.

In any domain, the problem space (the “why”) rarely changes. People need the same outcomes — faster service, better visibility, simpler workflows. What changes is the “how” — the tools, tech, and methods we use to get there.

When you’ve lived in a domain long enough, you start refining the how — making smarter, more elegant decisions rooted in deep context.

When you cross domains, you connect patterns

I’ve worked across multiple domains and industries — and here’s the truth: The foundations are universal. Each domain just adds its own flavour — nuances, constraints, and context.

Often cross-domain experience is underrated, but it gives you a way to challenge assumptions and inject fresh ideas that insiders might overlook.

Depth vs. Fresh Perspective

Domain knowledge brings speed and credibility. Lack of it brings curiosity and first-principles thinking. The best product outcomes come when you balance both — depth from experience and freshness from open eyes.

Qwik Takeaway

Domain experience isn’t about repetition — it’s about reflection. Knowing the why lets you evolve the how.