Stop asking your users if they want more

We’ve all been there—you morph into a digital Sherlock Holmes, bursting onto the scene with surveys, user interviews, and real-time chat feedback. You’re on a mission to crack the code of what your users really want. And what’s the resounding chorus you hear? “More, more, more!” They want more features, more options, and even more solutions to niche problems only a handful of them experience.

But here’s the plot twist: More isn’t your golden ticket to a blockbuster product. In fact, it could be your downfall.

The real game-changer? A rock-solid core product that packs a punch. It’s not about how many features you can cram in; it’s about delivering a knockout experience that leaves your users coming back for more of what actually matters.

The Allure of More

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more features equate to a better product. This is especially true when we’re enticed by the “shiny new product” syndrome. We see competitors releasing flashy new features and think we need to keep up by adding our own bells and whistles.

The allure of staying ahead of the curve and offering the latest innovations can be intoxicating. However, this often leads to a cluttered user interface, increased complexity, and a steep learning curve for your users. It’s like adding more blades to a Swiss Army knife until it becomes too heavy to carry.

Not to mention, the focus on adding new features can divert valuable resources and attention away from refining and perfecting the core functionalities that make your product truly great.

In the end, the shiny new additions may attract attention, but they won’t necessarily retain users if the core product isn’t solid.

The Paradox of Choice

Psychologist Barry Schwartz coined the term “The Paradox of Choice” to describe how an abundance of options can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction. In the context of product design, this can be mitigated by focusing on solving three main problems for your users. By narrowing down your product’s scope to address these key issues, you create a more targeted and effective solution.

Take, for example, my latest platform Type Prompt. Instead of overwhelming users with a myriad of features, we focus on solving three main problems:

1. Get good ideas for content quickly
2. Improve current social posts
3. Easily create AI images without having to think

By narrowing our scope to these key areas, we offer a more targeted and effective solution. Users don’t have to wade through unnecessary features; they can quickly access the tools that provide the most value for their specific needs. This approach not only simplifies the decision-making process for users but also allows our team to concentrate all its energy on perfecting these core functionalities.

When you concentrate on solving these main problems, you can dive deep into those areas, ensuring that you’re providing real value. This is especially crucial in the digital world, where attention spans are short and the temptation to jump to the next shiny object is just a click away.

Quality Over Quantity

Here’s how to focus on delivering a powerful core product:

1. Identify the Core Value Proposition

What is the one thing that your product does exceptionally well? What problem does it solve for your users? This is your core value proposition, and it should be the focal point of your development efforts.

2. Prioritize Features that Align with the Core Value

Once you’ve identified your core value proposition, prioritize features that enhance this value. Anything that doesn’t directly contribute should be secondary.

3. Iterate and Refine

Use data-driven insights and user feedback to continually refine your core product. This iterative process will help you make meaningful improvements without diluting the core value.

4. Keep It Simple

A clean, intuitive interface that emphasizes your core features will make it easier for users to understand the value you’re providing. Complexity is the enemy of a good user experience.