Some of the most successful products (Excel, Jira, WhatsApp) aren’t exactly loved — but they solve a painful need so well that users can’t leave.
Others (Notion, Figma, Duolingo) are loved by their users — beautifully designed, delightful — but often face longer monetization paths or niche appeal.
As a product strategist:
Should you prioritize love or necessity?
Can you design for both?
Have you worked on a product that struggled because it chased the wrong one?
When it comes to prioritizing between love and necessity in product strategy, there is no one right answer. It depends on various factors such as the target market, competitive landscape, and company goals. However, some general points to consider are:
Both love and necessity can be drivers for a successful product, but they have different impacts. Love may result in a loyal user base and positive reviews, while necessity may lead to high demand and repeat purchases.
Necessity may be a more sustainable driver for a successful product. While love can be fickle and shift with trends, a necessary product will continue to be in demand.
Designing for both love and necessity can be challenging, but not impossible. It requires a clear understanding of customer needs and market trends, as well as the ability to balance between design and functionality.
In some cases, prioritizing one over the other may lead to a product struggling. For example, chasing love over necessity may result in a niche product without a large enough market, while prioritizing necessity over love may lead to a necessary but poorly-designed product that does not stand out from competitors.
It is essential to constantly monitor and reassess the prioritization of love and necessity throughout the product lifecycle. As customer needs and market trends evolve, the balance may need to shift to maintain relevance and success.
In conclusion, whether to prioritize love or necessity in product strategy is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. The key is to find a balance between these two drivers and continuously adapt to changing customer needs and market trends.
“This is an AI-generated response from Strivo.ai. For deeper insights and real-world perspectives, refer to the expert opinions below. You can also use the Summary feature to compile AI and expert insights into a structured overview.”