JTBD Template: Master Jobs-to-be-Done in 10 Minutes

Understanding the JTBD Template for Better Product Development

The jtbd template helps you understand what drives your users to choose your website or digital product. Instead of focusing on demographics or features, this framework reveals the actual job users need to complete. When you apply a jobs to be done template correctly, you stop guessing and start building solutions that match real user needs.

This approach transforms how you design websites and develop digital products. You'll create experiences that align with what users actually want to accomplish, not what you assume they need.

What Makes a Strong JTBD Statement

A jtbd statement follows a specific structure that captures user motivation. The format typically includes the situation, the motivation, and the desired outcome.

For example: "When I visit a portfolio website, I want to quickly see relevant work samples, so I can decide if this designer matches my project needs." This statement reveals the context, action, and goal in one clear sentence.

Your job to be done template should answer three questions: What situation triggers the need? What does the user want to accomplish? What outcome defines success?

Real Applications in Web Design

Consider a jobs to be done example from e-commerce: "When I'm shopping on mobile during my lunch break, I want to complete checkout in under two minutes, so I don't waste my limited free time."

This insight would lead you to prioritize:

• One-click payment options: Reduce friction in the checkout process
• Saved user preferences: Eliminate repeated data entry
• Progress indicators: Show users exactly where they are in the process

Each design decision stems directly from understanding the job users need done.

Using a Job Mapping Template

A job mapping template breaks down the user's process into distinct stages. You map each step from initial need recognition through to completion.

Start by identifying the main job, then outline every micro-step involved. For a contact form, this might include finding the form, understanding what information to provide, filling fields, confirming submission, and receiving acknowledgment.

Map where users struggle or abandon the process. These pain points become your design priorities.

Making It Work for Your Projects

Start small with one user journey on your website. Interview actual users about what they're trying to accomplish when they visit specific pages.

Document their responses using your template. Look for patterns in the jobs they describe. Group similar jobs together and prioritize based on frequency and importance.

Test your assumptions by observing user behavior. If your design changes don't improve completion rates, revisit your understanding of the job.

The framework works best when you treat it as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time exercise. User jobs evolve as technology and expectations change, so regular check-ins keep your designs relevant.