This podcast dives into the differences between supply and demand in product development. It explores supply side innovation vs demand side innovation, understanding the needs of small businesses, the dangers of being too focused on either side, and the significance of prioritizing the understanding of demand in product development.
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Quick takeaways
Understanding the specific needs and struggles of customers is crucial for successful product development.
Balancing the supply and demand aspects of product development is necessary for progress and market success.
Deep dives
Understanding the Small Business Owner's Needs in Accounting Software
The podcast discusses the importance of understanding the needs and struggles of small business owners when developing accounting software. The hosts highlight the story of Scott Cook and Intuit's development of QuickBooks as an example. They found that many small business owners were using the personal finance software Quickin for business purposes, despite its limitations. By focusing on the demand side, Intuit aimed to create a product that was easy enough for small business owners to use independently but also provided the necessary minimum features for accountants to do taxes. Though QuickBooks may not have a passionate fanbase, it gained market share due to its focus on addressing the specific needs of small business owners.
Supply Side versus Demand Side in Product Development
The podcast explores the differences between a supply-side and a demand-side approach to product development. The supply side is described as building products based on the company's capabilities and business model, often focusing on technology and features. On the other hand, the demand side looks at how the product fits into the lives of consumers, considering their needs, desired outcomes, and the progress they want to make. The hosts emphasize the importance of starting with demand and understanding the context and outcomes customers seek from a solution. While both supply and demand are essential, an interdependent system is necessary for progress.
Pitfalls of Supply-Side and Demand-Side Imbalance
The podcast discusses the pitfalls that arise from being too far on either the supply side or the demand side. When too focused on the supply side, companies may believe they can convince customers to need their product, leading to over-engineering and disconnected customer experiences. Additionally, excessive jargon and a technology-focused approach can alienate potential customers. Conversely, on the demand side, pitfalls include trying to aggregate all customer needs into a single solution or failing to identify specific patterns and struggling moments. Striking the right level of abstraction and understanding the 20% that brings 80% of the solution is crucial for successful product development.
We're all familiar with the concepts of supply and demand, at least in the abstract. However, many of us fail to understand the differences between these concepts from a product development standpoint, as well as the ways they work together.
In today's episode of the Rewire Show, we dive deep and offer some insights into the concepts of supply and demand.
You'll discover how supply and demand differ when placed in a product development context.
You'll learn how to determine whether you're seeing the world through a supply or demand mindset, and how that can dictate the way you approach your work.
You'll discover the importance of seeing supply and demand as an interdependent system and how that can affect product development.
Join us for this fascinating discussion around seemingly simple concepts that are in fact far more interesting and complex than you may have realized.
Enjoy!
What You’ll Learn in this Show:
The difference between supply and demand in terms of product development.
How you can determine whether you're looking at the world through the less of supply or demand, and how the two can work together.
How supply and demand diverge from each other and what that means to the product development process.