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Product Design Fact: The Power Law Distribution

The article starts by presenting a key product design fact: a small number of features are used frequently, while most features remain unused. This concept is derived from the Power Law distribution, which suggests that user interaction with products follows a pattern where a few features dominate usage.

• This observation holds significant importance for product design, as it highlights the need to prioritize features based on their usage levels.
• The article uses the example of the PalmOS, one of the earliest and most successful mobile operating systems, to illustrate this point.
• The original interaction designer for PalmOS emphasized that a good product design should place prominence on highly used features while minimizing visibility for less-used ones.

Product Design for Effective Interaction

The article emphasizes that effective interaction design involves strategically prioritizing features based on their usage levels. Features that are frequently used should be highly visible and easily accessible, while less-used features can be hidden or made less prominent.

• This approach ensures that users can easily find and interact with the features they need most often.
• The article uses the example of the "Add contact to address book" feature in PalmOS, which should be highly visible, compared to the "Remove contact" feature, which can be less prominent.
• This approach promotes a user-friendly experience where users can quickly complete common tasks and discover less-used features when needed.

Product Design in Open Platforms

The article contrasts the approach of curated product design with the concept of open platforms, such as Android, Windows, and the Facebook platform. Open platforms aim to offer users maximum flexibility and customization, allowing them to access a wide range of features.

• However, this openness can lead to cluttered user interfaces and a less intuitive user experience, as features are not prioritized based on their usage.
• The article suggests that open platforms might compromise the user experience by presenting too many options, leading to confusion and difficulty in navigating the system.
• The article emphasizes that a more curated approach, focused on prioritizing essential features, can result in a smoother and more enjoyable user experience.

The Impact of Feature Usage on Product Design

The article further explores the implications of feature usage for product design. It argues that understanding which features are part of the long tail of unused features can guide product development decisions.

• Features that fall into the long tail might not be worth the investment in development time and resources, especially if they don't contribute to user engagement.
• The article suggests that a "lean startup" approach can be applied to identify and potentially remove features that are not generating value or engagement.
• This approach aligns with the principle of prioritizing features based on their usage levels, ensuring that development resources are allocated to features that deliver the most value to users.

Product Design Philosophies: Curated vs. Open

The article concludes by discussing two distinct product design philosophies: curated and open.

• Curated design focuses on carefully selecting and presenting features to users, ensuring a streamlined and intuitive experience.
• Open design, on the other hand, prioritizes flexibility and customization, offering users a vast array of features and options.
• Both approaches can lead to successful products, depending on the target audience and the product's overall goals.
• The article highlights the importance of understanding the trade-offs associated with each approach and making informed decisions based on specific product requirements.

Product Design for User-Centric Experiences

The article emphasizes the crucial role of user experience in product design, particularly in the context of feature prioritization. By understanding the power law distribution and focusing on high-usage features, designers can create more effective and intuitive interactions for users.

• This approach helps to ensure that users can easily find and interact with the features they need most often, resulting in a more positive and engaging user experience.
• The article emphasizes that effective product design goes beyond simply creating visually appealing interfaces; it's about understanding user needs and designing experiences that are both functional and enjoyable.