The Intersection of Consumer Products and Digital Gardens

The Intersection of Consumer Products and Digital Gardens

Consumer products and digital gardens may seem like completely unrelated concepts at first glance. After all, one refers to the creation and marketing of physical goods, while the other pertains to the organization and presentation of information on the internet. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that there are common points between these two seemingly disparate realms.

One commonality between consumer products and digital gardens lies in the need for thoughtful conviction. David Sze, a partner at Greylock, emphasizes that to succeed in the consumer product space, one must be deeply attuned to often latent consumer needs and be willing to figure out why something will work, despite all the naysayers. Similarly, the creation of a digital garden requires conviction in one's ideas and the willingness to explore and curate information that may not be immediately obvious to others.

Furthermore, both consumer products and digital gardens face the challenge of navigating through a sea of opinions and noise. In the consumer product realm, everyone has an opinion and is quick to point out what won't work or what's wrong. Similarly, in the digital garden space, the abundance of information and the rapid flow of ideas can make it difficult to differentiate between valuable insights and fleeting trends. Both domains require the ability to filter out the noise and focus on what truly matters.

The concept of digital gardening, as coined by Mark Bernstein in his 1998 essay "Hypertext Gardens," provides an intriguing framework for approaching the organization and presentation of information on the web. Bernstein describes the unplanned hypertext sprawl as wilderness, complex and interesting but uninviting. This idea resonates with the challenges faced by consumer product creators who must navigate through a sea of opinions and criticism. Embracing the ethos of the digital garden implies acknowledging the imperfection and embracing the iterative nature of both consumer products and digital content.

Tom Critchlow's 2018 article, "Of Digital Streams, Campfires, and Gardens," expands on Bernstein's concept and proposes alternative metaphors to frame how we consume and produce information. Critchlow's article, along with Joel Hooks' declaration that his blog is a digital garden, sparked a shift in how people approach content creation on the web. Suddenly, the focus shifted from creating static web pages to cultivating dynamic and interconnected digital spaces. This shift mirrors the need for consumer product creators to move beyond the traditional approach of simply launching a product and instead focus on fostering ongoing relationships with customers.

The idea of bi-directional links, as mentioned by Eleanor in a related piece, plays a crucial role in both digital gardens and consumer products. In a digital garden, bi-directional links allow readers to explore related themes, topics, and shared context, enabling a deeper and more immersive experience. Similarly, in the consumer product space, establishing connections and relationships between products can enhance the overall user experience and drive customer loyalty.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace thoughtful conviction: Whether you're creating a consumer product or cultivating a digital garden, believe in your ideas and be willing to explore unconventional approaches. Conviction, coupled with a deep understanding of your audience, is key to success.

• 2. Filter out the noise: In both consumer products and digital gardens, there will always be naysayers and distractions. Learn to filter out the noise and focus on what truly matters. Seek feedback and insights from trusted sources, but don't let the opinions of others derail your vision.

• 3. Embrace the iterative process: Just as a digital garden is constantly growing and evolving, consumer products should undergo continuous refinement. Embrace the iterative process, learn from your successes and failures, and always strive to improve and adapt.

In conclusion, the intersection of consumer products and digital gardens reveals common points and shared challenges. Both realms require thoughtful conviction, the ability to filter out noise, and an appreciation for the iterative process. By incorporating these insights, creators in both domains can navigate the ever-changing landscape and deliver exceptional experiences to their audiences.