Designing for business

Design isn't just about users; it's a balancing act. Picture a tightrope walker, balancing the user on one side and the business on the other. Both are crucial for a product's success, and that's what we're going to dive into today.

Many times, we product designers get lost in the world of user needs, forgetting that our design should also align with the business goals. If it doesn't, we risk creating a great product that, sadly, no one can afford to build or maintain.

Let’s say you're designing a fancy feature that users would absolutely love. Great, right? But what if it’s super expensive to develop and doesn’t really contribute to the business's bottom line? You might have a satisfied user, but a struggling business.

On the flip side, designing purely for business needs could result in a profitable but user-unfriendly product. I'm sure we can all think of a time when we were frustrated by a product that was clearly designed with profits over people.

The sweet spot is where user needs and business needs intersect. It's about creating a product that people love to use and also drives business success. This balance keeps users happy and businesses thriving.

So, remember, while user-centered design is key, keeping an eye on the business side of things can make or break a product. It's not always easy, but hey, nobody said walking a tightrope would be!

Keep designing, friends, and till next time!