Which job function typically involves both using the product and providing feedback on its effectiveness?

The user is the job function that typically involves both using the product and providing feedback on its effectiveness. This role is crucial in any product lifecycle because users directly engage with the product, offering insights based on their experiences. Their feedback is invaluable for understanding how well the product meets its intended purpose and identifying areas for improvement.

Users often have a hands-on experience that allows them to assess usability, performance, and satisfaction—all factors essential for product development and marketing strategies. Their involvement ensures that the product aligns with customer needs and expectations, leading to enhancements and innovations based on user feedback. In many cases, businesses rely on the feedback of users to make informed decisions about product adjustments or marketing approaches.

In contrast, other roles like the influencer, decider, and financier do not have the same direct engagement with the product itself. Influencers may promote or recommend products, but their experience may not be as authentic as that of users. Deciders make crucial decisions regarding purchasing or resource allocation, while financiers are focused on the financial aspects of operations without actively using the product. Therefore, the user stands out as the role that encapsulates both the practical use of a product and the provision of critical performance feedback.