Finding “Product-Human Need Fit” in the Post-Covid Era

Finding “Product-Human Need Fit” in the Post-Covid Era

In the post-Covid era, individuals have become more vocal about their needs and demands. People now want products and experiences that align with their unique identities and values. The next generation of innovation must extend beyond those with access, privilege, and power and cater to the needs that have been overlooked for too long.

The impact of the pandemic was felt by everyone, but under-represented communities bore a disproportionate amount of the pain. As the world changes and people adjust, new opportunities arise. It is crucial to dig into the human motivations behind the consumers these companies serve. Instead of just focusing on "product-market fit," we should shift our perspective to "product-human need fit."

During the pandemic, we witnessed a rare moment in modern history when people were universally forced to confront their most primal needs. It didn't matter what stage of life they were in; everyone had to prioritize their basic needs. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of social and political movements such as Black Lives Matter, Stop AAPI Violence, and Transgender Rights. These movements shed light on the deprivation of basic human needs that many individuals have been facing.

Our constant pursuit of efficiency, performance, and achievement has blinded us to the fact that we can't truly advance as a society if a significant portion of our community is struggling to meet their basic needs. It is crucial for companies and innovators to prioritize the fulfillment of these needs in their products and services.

In the quest for "product-human need fit," we can learn valuable lessons from Allen Zhang, the father of WeChat. Zhang emphasizes the importance of intuitive design, human psychology, and technological feasibility in product development. He believes that being a product creator is akin to being in a relationship with users. It's not just a business transaction; it requires genuine empathy and a big heart.

Zhang's product philosophy revolves around certain principles that contribute to a successful product. These principles include innovation, usefulness, beauty, ease of use, unobtrusiveness, honesty, timelessness, attention to detail, environmental friendliness, and simplicity. By adhering to these principles, WeChat has been able to maintain a coherent and singular identity.

Zhang's approach highlights the need to have a certain degree of "dictatorship" in product development. This ensures that conflicting opinions and fragmented personalities don't dilute the essence of the product. It is important to maintain a clear vision and focus on delivering a product that truly meets the needs of the users.

Another key aspect of Zhang's philosophy is treating users as friends. By treating users with genuine empathy, products are more likely to be used over an extended period. Quality, rather than openness, is the greatest good that a platform can deliver. It is crucial to expose users to trustworthy and effective information to shape their thoughts and perspectives positively.

Effective communication plays a vital role in product development. Inculcating one's self-image into another person's mind is the essence of communication. It is important to understand the needs and desires of users and cater to them authentically. Simply following user requests without considering the value it provides may lead to increased complexity and a loss of coherence in the product.

WeChat's success lies in its ability to adapt to the changing tastes and needs of its users. Zhang sees WeChat itself as its biggest competitor, constantly striving to keep up with the evolving needs of its users. It is essential to provide users with hope and benefits, as focusing solely on pursuing one's own interests is short-sighted and unsustainable.

In conclusion, finding "product-human need fit" is crucial in the post-Covid era. Companies and innovators must prioritize the fulfillment of basic human needs, especially for under-represented communities. Incorporating principles of intuitive design, human psychology, and technological feasibility, along with genuine empathy for users, can lead to the development of successful and meaningful products. Three actionable advice to achieve "product-human need fit" are:

1. Conduct in-depth research and understand the motivations and desires of your target audience. This will help in creating products that align with their needs and values.

2. Prioritize simplicity and coherence in product development. Avoid diluting the essence of the product by incorporating conflicting opinions and fragmented personalities.

3. Treat users as friends and prioritize their long-term satisfaction over short-term gains. Genuine empathy and quality information are essential for building trust and ensuring the longevity of the product.

By embracing these principles and taking actionable steps, we can create products that truly meet the needs of individuals in the post-Covid era and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.