The Value of Understanding People's Desires in Product Critiques

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Sep 16, 2023

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The Value of Understanding People's Desires in Product Critiques

In the world of product development, understanding people's desires and reactions is crucial to creating successful and impactful products. This is the core tenet of product critique, which aims to evaluate the features and experiences that will resonate with users. But how do we effectively conduct a product critique? In this article, we will explore the key aspects of a product critique and how it can contribute to the success of a product.

To begin a product critique, it is important to have a clear understanding of what the app does and what its main features are. This one-line summary sets the foundation for the critique and helps us identify the aspects that will resonate with users. Additionally, it is essential to gauge the buzz surrounding the app and the initial impressions of users. This provides valuable context for the critique and allows us to evaluate the app's potential success.

The experience of getting started or signing up for the app is another critical aspect to consider. How does the app explain itself in the first minute? Is it easy to use? These initial impressions are crucial as they often shape the opinions users form about the app. Research suggests that most opinions of a product are formed within the first few minutes of using it. Therefore, a quick run-through of the app can provide insights into its value, usability, and craftsmanship.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the frequency and motivations behind using the app. When do users tend to open it? What compels them to use it? Understanding these factors helps to evaluate the app in comparison to similar apps in the market. This comparative analysis provides valuable insights into how the app stands out or falls short in meeting users' needs.

In addition to personal evaluations, it is crucial to consider other people's opinions of the app. What do other users think? This external perspective offers a broader view of the app's appeal and potential success. However, it is important to remember that opinions can vary greatly, and individual experiences may not represent the overall sentiment towards the app.

Based on all the gathered information, we can make a prediction about the app's future success. Will it thrive a year from now? Were our initial predictions accurate? While predictions are not foolproof, they provide valuable insights into the potential trajectory of the app.

In the realm of publishing, a concept known as the "smiling curve" illustrates the value-adding potentials of different components in the value chain. In the IT-related manufacturing industry, both ends of the value chain command higher values added to the product than the middle part. This phenomenon can be likened to the publishing industry, where traditional publishers find themselves stuck in the middle.

Traditional publishers face the challenge of adapting to the digital age, where the primary attraction for readers is no longer the home page but rather the ease of access via mobile devices. As readers follow links on social media platforms, the value shifts to the edges, favoring aggregators and focused, responsive, and differentiated writers and publications. This shift in value distribution poses a significant challenge for traditional publishers, whose financial prospects are inversely correlated to their addressable market.

To navigate this changing landscape, successful writers and publications will need to focus on their strengths and accrue outsized value relative to publishers that are rapidly shifting from platform to obstacle. Just as AT&T's decision to lock the Apple SIM to their network is an attempt to retain value, publishers must find ways to provide unique value to their writers and readers.

In conclusion, understanding people's desires and reactions is crucial in product critique and publishing. By evaluating the features and experiences that resonate with users, product developers and publishers can create impactful products and maintain their relevance in a rapidly changing landscape. To succeed in these fields, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Prioritize understanding your users: Conduct thorough user research to gain insights into their desires, motivations, and behaviors. This understanding will guide your product decisions and help you create a product that provides value and meets users' needs.
  • 2. Embrace the power of mobile: In the digital age, mobile devices have become the primary gateway for accessing content. Optimize your products and publishing strategies for mobile to reach a wider audience and stay ahead of the curve.
  • 3. Focus on differentiation: In a crowded market, differentiation is key to standing out and capturing value. Find your unique strengths and leverage them to provide value that distinguishes you from competitors.

By incorporating these actionable advice, product developers and publishers can navigate the evolving landscape and create successful and impactful products that resonate with users.

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