Understanding Jobs to Be Done (JTBD)

What is Jobs to Be Done?

Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) is a business theory focusing on the reasons behind consumer purchases. Instead of just buying products, consumers 'hire' them to fulfill specific needs or jobs. This perspective shifts the focus from what a product is to what it does for the customer. Understanding JTBD helps you design products and services that cater directly to the needs of your users.

Types of Jobs to Be Done

JTBD can be broken down into three main types: functional, emotional, and social.

Functional jobs are the practical tasks consumers need to accomplish. For instance, people buy a drill not because they want the drill itself, but because they need to make a hole. These are straightforward and focus on the tangible benefits a product provides.

Emotional jobs involve the feelings or emotional states consumers seek or want to avoid. For example, someone might purchase a luxury car not just for transportation but to feel successful and accomplished. Understanding the emotional drivers behind purchases can help you create products that resonate more deeply with your audience.

Social jobs reflect how consumers want to be perceived by others. A professional might choose premium business software to appear competent and reliable to their colleagues. Social jobs focus on the perception and status a product can confer on its user.

By recognizing these different types of jobs, you can better tailor your product development and marketing strategies to meet the diverse needs of your customers. This approach ensures that your products are not only functional but also emotionally and socially satisfying for your users.

Examples of Jobs to Be Done

Functional jobs

People buy a drill to make a hole, not for the drill itself. This is about achieving a practical outcome. The drill is a means to an end. For more on how product features can achieve practical outcomes, check out How Statsig Works. To understand this better, you might explore SDKs and APIs which are tools that help in achieving practical implementation. Also, consider using A/B Testing Calculator to evaluate functional outcomes.

Emotional jobs

Consumers purchase luxury cars to feel successful and accomplished. The car serves as a symbol of personal achievement. It offers more than just transportation. Emotional jobs can often be highlighted in Customer Stories where leading companies showcase their success. Take a look at the Blog for more insights into the emotional impact of products. Additionally, see how companies Build vs Buy to achieve their emotional and business goals.

Social jobs

Professionals use premium business software to appear competent and reliable to their peers. This choice enhances their professional image. It's about being perceived as capable and trustworthy. To understand more about professional image enhancement, you can explore Enterprise Analytics. Integrating with existing tools can also be a key factor, as discussed in Integrations. For a broader strategic approach, see Customer Journey Management.