How Products Lose Their Way: A Cautionary Tale

In product development, we often see strong, popular products gradually lose their essence. This happens when product owners and other strategic leaders lose sight of the primary purpose. Let’s explore why this occurs and how to avoid it.

Case in Point: Facebook

Facebook started as a simple social networking site focused on connecting friends and sharing updates. However, as the platform grew, it introduced numerous features (games, marketplace, news feed algorithms, and more) that often distracted from its core purpose. While these additions aimed to enhance user engagement, they also complicated the user experience, leading to concerns about privacy, data security, and the overall usability of the platform.

The Pitfall of Feature Creep

Feature creep is a major reason products lose their way. Adding too many features can dilute the core value. Google Wave started strong but added too many features, leading to user confusion and its eventual discontinuation.

Counterpoint: Evolution is Necessary

Products must evolve to stay relevant, but not at the cost of their core purpose. Apple’s iPhone maintains its primary purpose of a seamless, user-friendly experience despite numerous iterations and added features.

Staying True to the Core Purpose

The key is to keep the product’s primary purpose at the forefront. This requires regular user feedback, a clear product roadmap, and the courage to say no to misaligned features.

The Path Forward

To ensure products remain strong, we need focused innovation. By staying true to the core purpose while adapting to market needs, we can achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. Let’s build products that start strong and stand the test of time.