Fixable Fixations: Farmer’s Dog, Waymo, switchers, and manila folders
Nov 17, 2025
Discover how The Farmer’s Dog transformed dinnertime for pets, showcasing a needs-driven model that prioritizes pets over retailers. Dive into Anne's thrilling first ride in a Waymo self-driving car, revealing how autonomous tech can ease safety concerns for riders. Learn about Blackmagic Design’s ATEM Mini switcher, which is revolutionizing virtual presentations for prosumers. Plus, explore the unexpected joys of using manila folders as a tactile way to organize work and transition between tasks.
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Pet Food That Solved Mealtime Trauma
- Frances X. Frei described how Farmer's Dog transformed her dog's willingness to eat after months of struggle.
- She received trial meals, cooked interim recipes, and then subscribed when the dog consistently devoured the food.
Design Around A Specific Stakeholder Need
- Farmer's Dog founders built the product from a personal, urgent problem and redesigned the category around freshness.
- They chose direct-to-consumer distribution because fresh food can't meet retail shelf-life constraints.
Start With Painkillers, Add Vitamins Later
- Start by solving a dramatic, urgent need (a "painkiller") before adding nicer-to-have features ("vitamins").
- Capture intensely motivated customers first, then expand to convenience buyers.