What is Kano Model?
A prioritization framework that classifies features by how their presence or absence affects customer satisfaction.
Noriaki Kano's model splits features into five categories: Must-Be (table stakes, absent kills the deal), Performance (more is linearly better), Attractive (delighters that surprise on the upside), Indifferent (no effect), and Reverse (some customers prefer the absence). The insight is non-linear: doubling a Must-Be doesn't help; an Attractive feature shipped early creates outsized goodwill. Use Kano alongside RICE, RICE ranks effort vs impact, Kano tells you whether the impact is real or just incremental.
Related terms
Feature Prioritization
The process of ranking candidate features by value, effort, and confidence to decide what gets built next.
RICE Scoring
A prioritization framework that scores initiatives on Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort.
Value vs Effort Matrix
A 2x2 prioritization grid that plots initiatives on perceived value and required effort to surface quick wins and big bets.
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