[k__]

True story.

I've seen 2 extremes in my career:

1. The "product makers" think they know everything and force the users to do it the way they want.

This often results in a bad to use product.

2. The "product makers" think the user knows best and do everything the users say.

This often results in a too specific/unflexible product.

[vanderZwan]

Oh, absolutely. It basiclly comes down to having a proper dialogue instead of one party dictating to the other what to do. It's just that in practice nr 1 seems more common.

[slantyyz]

I'd add to your point #2 - It can also result in a product that is way too broad and not particularly good at any one thing. i.e., the Homermobile.