[antoineMoPa]

Both are important. The end product has to be nice/useful for deeper motivation. The tools in use can indicate the philosophy of the business and give hints about the general ambiance of the job. Who would choose to spend 40 hours per week with tools that makes them feel underproductive?

[pyzhianov]

Agreed. But if the product doesn't do any good to the world, can you have ANY motivation at all? Even if the tech is awesome

[throwaway_54]

It can work well and the people further up the hierarchy can be happy about it, and could share this happiness with you with bonuses and other perks. If this would happen, I'd be more inclined to be invested in the thing, even if it were not especially the pinnacle of human altruism.