The Secret to Product Growth
Early in my career as an industrial designer, I believed that great design was the key to success. If a product was well-designed—if it looked good, functioned flawlessly and felt intuitive—then people would naturally buy it.
I spent hours refining details, perfecting aesthetics and making sure every part of the user experience was seamless.
But then I saw something that changed my perspective.
I watched less polished, less “perfect” products outperform better-designed ones.
Why? Because the companies behind them understood their customers better.
The Real Driver of Product Growth
I’ve since realized that success isn’t about having the “best” designed product—it’s about solving the right problem in the right way.
The companies that win don’t just invest in design; they invest in understanding their customers’ needs, frustrations and decision-making processes.
And that kind of insight doesn’t come from the drawing board. It comes from real conversations, real market feedback and real-world observations.
What I’m Doing Differently
Now, instead of asking, Does this product look great?, I ask:
- What problem is this solving?
- Why do customers actually buy (or walk away)?
- What alternatives are they considering and why?
Focusing on how people buy, rather than how products are made, has helped me drive more meaningful results.
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How You Can Apply This
If you’re trying to grow a product, start by listening—not designing, not marketing and not optimizing.
Listening:
- Talk to recent buyers.
- What made them choose your product over others?
- Ask those who didn’t buy.
- What was missing? What would have changed their mind?
- Forget assumptions.
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Let your customers’ words shape how you position your product.
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The secret to product growth isn’t design—it’s strategy. Let’s refine yours. Schedule a call now.
Posted in Start Product Management | Tagged Behavioral Changes, Research, Strategy
