The MCU's Success: A Case Study in Mental Models Context

The concept of "latticework of mental models" in product management emphasizes understanding user needs through multiple lenses. It encourages a dynamic toolbox approach instead of a "one-size-fits-all" solution. Similar to Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) suggests focusing on the 20% of efforts that yield 80% of success.

Marvel Studios provides a fascinating case study to understand why latticework of the Mental Model still important even after success.

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐔𝐩:

In the initial phase (2007-2008), Marvel embraced the power of heroes, villains, and extraordinary circumstances. They released solo films like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor, allowing audiences to connect with each character individually. This strategy proved highly effective, culminating in the epic team-up movies like "Avengers".

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

Marvel Studios journey offers valuable insights into the pitfalls of relying on a single successful formula. After the large achievements of "Avengers: Endgame," they found themselves at the pinnacle of superhero cinema. However, their next move i.e. scale up the same success i.e. "Solo hero to team movie" model did not work well for them. This resulted in an aggressive expansion, churning out movies, TV shows, and animated features at a rapid pace, often with tight release windows.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞:

While the initial strategy fueled years of success to Marvel, but relying solely on same mental models and scale it up after the “Avengers - end game” proved insufficient for new phases and new audience engagement This led them to:

• 𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Experimenting with genres beyond superhero action, such as comedy (Who can forget “Thor love and thunder”).

• 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Not delving deeper into the backstories and internal struggles of new heroes (She Hulk, Caption Marvel etc).

• 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: With introducing new, diverse characters they used same story lines and motivations.

Therefor diversifying their approach is crucial for Marvel to maintain the momentum.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞: Move away from rapid-fire content releases.

𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐬: Plan out long-term character arcs for both new and existing heroes for deeper exploration of their motivations, growth, and relationships.

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: Introduce genuinely new and diverse characters with unique stories and motivations, not just rehashing old formulas with different faces.

𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: Take the time to properly develop plotlines rather than rushing through content to meet tight release schedules.

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝: With time diversity of Marvel fan is also increasing and different groups of fans have different demands.

These mental models can emphasize Marvel to understanding their audience's evolving needs and preferences. By implementing a "latticework" approach, Marvel can analyse what resonates with fans and adjust their content creation strategy accordingly. This will ensure they continue to deliver fresh and engaging content, solidifying their position as a leader in the superhero genre.