How to Do Philosophy in Crafting the First Mile of Product

How to Do Philosophy in Crafting the First Mile of Product

In both philosophy and product development, there is a common thread: the need to understand the human experience and engage with users. Philosophy teaches us that our sense of self is not as concrete as we may think. We are a collection of cells driven by various forces, and our identity is not tied to a central, indivisible entity. Similarly, in product development, the first 15 seconds of a user's experience are crucial. Users are lazy, vain, and selfish. They want to quickly understand how a product will benefit them without investing extra time.

One key lesson from philosophy is that the concepts we use in everyday life are fuzzy and break down if pushed too hard. Similarly, when explaining a product, having to provide a lengthy explanation is ineffective. Users don't want to make choices, especially in the early stages of their experience. They want familiarity and immediate utility. Just as philosophy shows us that words break down if pushed too far, trying to be too creative with product design can lead to confusion and hinder user engagement.

Another important point is that curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge are valuable in both philosophy and product development. Philosophers seek a deep understanding of concepts out of curiosity rather than practical need. Similarly, product developers should constantly strive to learn more about their users and understand their needs. Knowledge is power, and the more we know about our users, the better we can create products that serve them.

In the realm of philosophy, there has been a shift towards focusing on practical applications rather than abstract ideas. Similarly, in product development, the first mile of a user's experience should be the most thought-out part of the product. It should provide immediate value to users and make their lives easier. The first mile is the top of the funnel for new users, and allocating a significant portion of energy to this stage is crucial for growth.

However, it's important not to neglect the power users while focusing on new user acquisition. The paradox of success lies in the fact that as we cater more to power users, we may inadvertently neglect new users. To maintain growth, it's essential to continuously engage new types of users and not take our existing user base for granted.

To summarize, the philosophy of doing philosophy and the principles of crafting the first mile of a product intersect in several ways. Both require understanding the human experience, engaging users, and focusing on practical applications. Here are three actionable pieces of advice for product developers:

1. Prioritize the first mile: Allocate a significant portion of your energy and resources towards crafting a seamless and valuable first mile experience for new users. This is the gateway to growth and should never be an afterthought.

2. Provide immediate utility: Users want to know what will benefit them right away. Avoid lengthy explanations and instead focus on delivering immediate value. Use familiar terms and solutions that are effective, even if they are not the most creative.

3. Continue learning and engaging: Don't neglect new users while focusing on power users. Maintain simplicity in your product over time and constantly strive to understand and cater to the needs of different user types.

In conclusion, the philosophy of doing philosophy and the principles of crafting the first mile of a product share common ground. They both emphasize the importance of understanding the human experience, engaging users, and focusing on practical applications. By incorporating these insights into product development, we can create products that not only attract and retain users but also serve their needs effectively. Philosophy may be as young now as math was in 1500, but there is still a lot more to discover, just as there is in the world of product development.