Steamd

Think about some of the best product designers out there. Think about a product that you have seen that left an impression in your mind. The best analogy I have about good product design has to do with a can opener. Sure, for most people a can opener is a can opener. There’s nothing really about a can opener that would give you an emotional response. But if a company that designs can openers was to create one that not only looks different but feels different and opens cans better than anything out there then someone using it might get an emotional response from it. They may very well think to themselves,”This is the best damn can opener I’ve every used! I don’t think I’ll ever buy another can opener from another company every again!” Not only did they design a good product that solves the customer’s problem but they also created a loyal customer who doesn’t see any other solution as being as good as theirs.

The lesson here is that getting your customers to use your product is only one part of it. The other is keeping them. And the only way you’re going to do that is to develop a good product that speaks to the customer. In essence the product must speak for itself. If you were building can openers you have to tell yourself, “We’re not in the business of making can openers…we’re in the business of opening cans”. That’s a big distinction in philosophy, don’t you think?

I find that the reason why many web developers/designers and software companies fail is that they haven’t properly defined their business model, philosophies, and processes properly. The ones that stick out for me are the ones who focus on user-centric design, implement proper IA into the process, and maintain proper communication at every level of development. Companies like Google, Apple, Dyson (great vacuums btw!), 37 Signals, and others.

In fact, my wife and I ended up having to replace our vacuum and ended up going with a Dyson. All you have to do is do the math: 5 year warranty on part and labor, no bags or filters to replace, and it never looses suction. If it lasts more than 5 years then it clearly makes up for the extra cost compared to other vacuums. You could go through two vacuums in the same amount of time one Dyson would last you. But it’s not in the cost that makes it better…it’s how good the damn thing is. The minute you use one you’re hooked. I mean, this thing sucks…literally! Best damn vacuum I’ve every used, hands down. That’s building loyalty for ya!