Users hate change (gist.github.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how users often resist changes to products and services, and how this resistance is often met with a paternalistic attitude from designers and product managers. The author argues that users are not inherently resistant to change, but rather resist changes that are imposed upon them without their consent or input. The article suggests that a better approach would be to give users the freedom to choose between different versions of a product or service. This approach, known as Extensible Product Portfolios, allows users to self-select into new products or features, reducing the risk of alienating existing customers.

Main themes

• user resistance to change
• designer-user relationships
• product management strategies
• customer choice and autonomy
• software development and design

What commenters say

• Users are not inherently resistant to change, but rather resist changes that are imposed upon them without their consent or input.
• Designers and product managers often prioritize their own interests and visions over the needs and preferences of their users.
• Giving users the freedom to choose between different versions of a product or service can be a effective way to reduce resistance to change and increase customer satisfaction.
• Some commenters argue that designers and product managers must balance their own creative vision with the needs and preferences of their users, and that finding a middle ground is key to success.
• Others suggest that the goal of software development should be to create a 'peak version' of a product, after which further changes are unnecessary and potentially detrimental.
• The importance of empathy and understanding in designing products and services that meet the needs of users is also emphasized.
• Some commenters note that the desire to keep software developers employed and profitable can lead to unnecessary changes and feature additions that ultimately detract from the user experience.