[sneusse]

This. Well, minus point 3 or include the user feedback in your goals. Also keep in mind that most people cannot articulate what they really want but most of the time they will complain about a bad solution.

Also try to mimic the other applications your clients are using regularly - even when the UX is bad. It’s easier for them to remember one broken workflow than multiple.

[CornCobs]

I disagree in general with your second point. Yeah, sure, this could make sense in some situations, but many tools and products exist for the sole reason that they offer a superior workflow and smoother experience than their existing counterparts.

Wasn't there that classic HN post about users not needing Dropbox because any Linux user could do the same with rsync?

[sneusse]

Sure, if you’re replacing functionality/processes then you’re right.

I was thinking of adding/integrating new processes. That’s imho the harder task because you usually have less data to work with.

[hulitu]

Yes, most people are idiots. Ever thought that for those people to "articulate what they really want" means for you to try to undestand them and to speak their (technical) language ?

[sneusse]

That’s what I was trying to say. It’s our job to read what they need instead of trying to do exactly as they say