The ultimate guide to product building with the man who changed software

18 snips

Sep 9, 2024

Joined by Jason Fried, Co-founder and CEO of 37signals, this conversation dives into innovative app concepts and the changing software landscape. Jason shares quirky ideas like a scratch-off ad app and a steamy shower sketch simulator, emphasizing the importance of engaging user experiences. He highlights how limitations can create value and the need for a cozy software movement that prioritizes user delight. Plus, he advocates for a return to the playful, creative spirit seen in earlier internet projects!

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ANECDOTE

Scratch-Off Ad App

Jason Fried shares an idea for a scratch-off advertisement app.
Users scratch off a full-screen ad daily for a chance to win coupons, creating a cheap mystery.

INSIGHT

Time-Based Experiences

HQ Trivia's success stemmed from its scheduled time, community aspect, low commitment, and variable rewards.
Jason Fried's ad app adopts similar mechanics, leveraging time-based experiences and potential rewards.

ANECDOTE

Ephemeral Video Tutorials

Jason Fried and Scott Heiferman conceived a daily, ephemeral video tutorial website idea.
This visit-once website would offer real-time, unarchived videos on various topics, with a daily sponsored ad.

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I’m joined by Jason Fried, Co-founder and CEO of 37signals, as we deep dive on innovative startup ideas, our frameworks to building products people love, and our thoughts on the current software landscape.

1) The "Scratch-off Ad" app idea:
• Full-screen ad you scratch off with your finger
• Blow into mic to clear "dust"
• Chance to win prizes/coupons
• Global, once-a-day experience
Potential: Massive user base, high engagement

2) "Shower Door Sketch" app concept:
• Simulates drawing on steamy shower glass
• Ephemeral canvas that fogs up & clears
• Add shower sounds for immersion
• Screenshot to save ideas
Perfect for creative brainstorming!

3) Key insight: Bring real-world experiences to digital
• Leverage mystery, surprise, uncertainty
• Create moments that can't be replicated
• Tap into universal human experiences
"There's some sort of deeper universal things to tap into here." - Jason

4) The power of limitations in software:
• Time-based experiences (HQ Trivia)
• Visit-once websites
• Apps with "open hours"
Creates scarcity & increases perceived value

5) Hobbyist ethos missing in modern software:
• Early internet had more quirky, fun projects
• Less focus on monetization, more on exploration
• Need for "weirder" apps and experiences
Challenge: How can we make the internet weird again?

6) Cozy software movement:
• Make apps feel warm, comfortable
• Contrast to clinical, cold modern design
• Focus on user experience & delight
Goal: Create software people genuinely enjoy using

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37signals: https://37signals.com/

Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
02:17 Startup Idea 1: The "Scratch-off Ad" app
18:44 Startup Idea 2: "Shower Door Sketch" app concept:
33:43 Frameworks for building products people love