From Idea to Impact: My First Journey as a Product Builder
By : Matthew Anthony Tjahjadi | NIM 2702404576
Lecturer : Irene Teresa Rebecca Hutabarat, S.MB., M.M.
This project marked an important milestone in my journey, as it was the first time I created a software product entirely from scratch. Turning an idea into something tangible and usable challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. Stepping into the role of a product owner was both exciting and intimidating—I was no longer just building features, but also shaping direction, making decisions, and ensuring that every part of the product addressed real user needs.
One of the most impactful experiences was testing the product directly in the market. Presenting something I built to real users and inviting honest feedback required courage. Some responses were encouraging, while others pushed me to rethink my assumptions. Through this process, I learned that growth comes from listening openly, accepting criticism, and being willing to adapt. Real validation does not come from what we believe is good, but from what users genuinely experience.
This journey taught me that building a product is not only about technical execution, but also about empathy, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Understanding users, balancing business goals, and refining ideas through feedback are all equally important. Overall, this experience helped me grow beyond the role of a developer and start thinking like a founder—someone who takes responsibility for both vision and execution. Moving forward, I feel more confident in taking on bigger challenges, validating ideas early, and continuously improving through feedback and reflection.
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