What is a use case in the context of product development?

A use case in the context of product development is primarily a description of how a customer uses the product. It outlines specific situations in which users interact with the product, highlighting their goals, tasks, and the expected interactions. By detailing these scenarios, a use case provides clarity on user requirements, guiding the development process to ensure the product effectively meets those needs. This definition ensures that teams understand the conditions under which the product will be utilized, which is essential for designing features and functionalities that align with user expectations.

The other options provide valuable insights into different aspects of product development but do not capture the full essence of a use case. For example, an overview of the customer journey focuses more broadly on the overall experience rather than specific interactions. A structured conversation with users may refer to gathering feedback or insights but does not directly define a use case. Lastly, a visual representation of the product offers an illustrative perspective but lacks the narrative context that a use case provides about user interaction.