Product design: utility vs. focus
April 29, 2008 · Chris Peters
A reversible belt that I own recently got me thinking about product design. Its extra utility has made my experience as a belt-wearer kind of unpleasant.
I have a reversible belt that lets me flip it so that it’s either black or brown. Recently, it started squeaking whenever I walk while wearing it. This squeaking is starting to annoy me so much that I wish I would have bought 2 separate belts instead.
This is the kind of trade-off that you need to make when designing a product or service. Do you really focus on a single problem and be the best at it, or do you provide more utility at the cost of adding more complexity?
Ask yourself this. Are you a well-design SUV? Or are you the Homer Simpson car? What kinds of trade-offs can you make to provide a more delightful experience? Is answering every feature request that comes your way destroying your focus?
There’s a balance.
