Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career cover image

Competing with giants: An inside look at how The Browser Company builds product | Josh Miller (CEO)

Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

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Optimizing for Feelings Rather Than Metrics

In the world of product development, there is a common obsession with metrics and numbers. Silicon Valley, in particular, tends to focus on graphs and quantitative data to measure success. However, the speaker argues that optimizing for metrics alone leaves a lot of potential untapped. Instead, they advocate for optimizing feelings – how the software or product makes someone feel. This approach considers the emotional impact and aims to evoke joy, speed, organization, focus, or any desired feeling. While some may dismiss this as romantic, the speaker asserts that modern optimization for numbers and graphs is actually odd. They point out that some of the most beloved products and brands, like Nike, Disney, and Apple, were not built solely on metrics but on a deep understanding of how to make people feel. While numbers are important for assessing achievements and goals, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the human element in product development. They argue that considering how a product makes someone feel is crucial in the creation stage, as it aligns with the visions of visionaries like Walt Disney, Phil Knight, and Steve Jobs. The speaker suggests that metrics should be used as a tool for honesty and to keep oneself accountable, but the primary focus should be on creating meaningful and emotional experiences for users.

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