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Product Development
Product Centric
User Centric
Product Strategy
User Experience
ARTICLE #118
Product Development: Product centric vs user-centric approach
Product Development
Product Centric
User Centric
Product Strategy
User Experience
Product Development
Product Centric
User Centric
Product Strategy
User Experience
Written by:
5 min read
Updated on: October 17, 2024
Samson Mosilily
Senior Regional Manager
African Market, Regional Management, Growth
Samson Mosilily
Senior Regional Manager
African Market, Regional Management, Growth
Every business owner and product manager eventually faces a pivotal choice: Which product development strategy should we follow? Two popular paths often rise to the top—product-centric and user-centric. For years, many companies believed building the “best” product with the “coolest” features was enough to guarantee success. But a fancy feature set means little if your target audience doesn’t actually want or use it.
In truth, these two approaches are two sides of the same coin. One focuses on creating standout products; the other focuses on meeting people’s needs. Here, we’ll explain both methods and see how each shapes product success in its own way.
Every business owner and product manager eventually faces a pivotal choice: Which product development strategy should we follow? Two popular paths often rise to the top—product-centric and user-centric. For years, many companies believed building the “best” product with the “coolest” features was enough to guarantee success. But a fancy feature set means little if your target audience doesn’t actually want or use it.
In truth, these two approaches are two sides of the same coin. One focuses on creating standout products; the other focuses on meeting people’s needs. Here, we’ll explain both methods and see how each shapes product success in its own way.
What is product development?
What is product development?
Product development is how you create and launch new products—starting from that spark of an idea all the way to marketing and release. It can cover a wide range of activities:
Ideation: Brainstorming (and often debating) potential concepts.
Design and prototyping: Iterating on designs and testing feasibility.
Market strategy and commercialisation: Deciding how to sell, promote, and sustain the product after launch.
No matter the form it takes, product development aims to produce something that resonates with customers and stands out in the market.
Product development is how you create and launch new products—starting from that spark of an idea all the way to marketing and release. It can cover a wide range of activities:
Ideation: Brainstorming (and often debating) potential concepts.
Design and prototyping: Iterating on designs and testing feasibility.
Market strategy and commercialisation: Deciding how to sell, promote, and sustain the product after launch.
No matter the form it takes, product development aims to produce something that resonates with customers and stands out in the market.
Product-centric development
Product-centric companies work on the principle of presenting the product that users have not yet realised is needed. As Steve Jobs said, “People don't know what they want until you show it to them.”
What does “Product-Centric” mean?
A product-centric approach revolves around pushing for advanced features, superior performance, and high-end innovation—even if customers haven’t asked for those specifics. The assumption? If you build an amazing product, people will come around and buy it (eventually).
In practice, that often means heavy investment in research and development, plus a belief that top-tier tech or advanced design will trump all else.
Pros of a product-centric approach
1. Laser-focused expertise: You are pouring time and talent into building the best possible product in your niche.
2. Brand reputation through quality: If you pull it off, you can become known for premium products—even if you charge more.
3. Encourages innovative solutions: By not chasing every customer's whim, you can push the envelope in technology or design.
4. Clear internal goals: Everyone rallies around a solid product roadmap, which can boost productivity.
Cons of a product-centric approach
1. Potential market mismatch: No matter how good your product is, it’s a flop if consumers don’t actually want it.
2. Long customer adoption cycles: Sometimes you need to ‘educate’ people about why they need your product, which costs money and time.
3. Higher risk of failure: The pay-off can be big, but so can the losses if the market never warms up to your innovation.
4. Less customer input: You might overlook user pain points because you’ve been focused on inventing a “perfect” product in isolation.
Case in point: Dyson
They pour research into vacuums, fans, and haircare—some customers didn’t even realise they “needed” a £400 hairdryer. But Dyson’s unwavering product-first mantra fuels constant innovation, letting them charge premium prices with relative success.
Product-centric companies work on the principle of presenting the product that users have not yet realised is needed. As Steve Jobs said, “People don't know what they want until you show it to them.”
What does “Product-Centric” mean?
A product-centric approach revolves around pushing for advanced features, superior performance, and high-end innovation—even if customers haven’t asked for those specifics. The assumption? If you build an amazing product, people will come around and buy it (eventually).
In practice, that often means heavy investment in research and development, plus a belief that top-tier tech or advanced design will trump all else.
Pros of a product-centric approach
1. Laser-focused expertise: You are pouring time and talent into building the best possible product in your niche.
2. Brand reputation through quality: If you pull it off, you can become known for premium products—even if you charge more.
3. Encourages innovative solutions: By not chasing every customer's whim, you can push the envelope in technology or design.
4. Clear internal goals: Everyone rallies around a solid product roadmap, which can boost productivity.
Cons of a product-centric approach
1. Potential market mismatch: No matter how good your product is, it’s a flop if consumers don’t actually want it.
2. Long customer adoption cycles: Sometimes you need to ‘educate’ people about why they need your product, which costs money and time.
3. Higher risk of failure: The pay-off can be big, but so can the losses if the market never warms up to your innovation.
4. Less customer input: You might overlook user pain points because you’ve been focused on inventing a “perfect” product in isolation.
Case in point: Dyson
They pour research into vacuums, fans, and haircare—some customers didn’t even realise they “needed” a £400 hairdryer. But Dyson’s unwavering product-first mantra fuels constant innovation, letting them charge premium prices with relative success.
User-centric product development
The user-centric approach articulates the whole customer journey for a great user experience. It aims to keep a keen eye on building customer loyalty and maximising user lifetime value.
What does “User-Centric” mean?
A user-centric approach puts your customers and their experience squarely at the heart of development. This means running user tests, interviews, surveys, and iterative feedback loops to refine the product based on real needs. It’s about delivering intuitive, accessible solutions customers genuinely crave.
Pros of a user-centric approach
1. Immediate market validation: By aligning directly with user requirements, you hit the ground running—there’s already a demand.
2. Long-term customer loyalty: People appreciate a brand that actually listens and adapts to their evolving problems.
3. Clearer roadmap: Continuous research provides clarity on what improvements or features your users actually want next.
4. Higher adoption rates: Products that solve genuine pain points tend to see quicker acceptance.
Cons of a user-centric approach
1. Resource-heavy research: Surveys, polls, and analytics can be pricey—especially if you gather large volumes of data.
2. Possible quality trade-offs: Focusing too much on user demands could lead to losing sight of engineering excellence or advanced features.
3. Time-consuming: Engaging thoroughly with users can slow things down.
4. Limited space for bold innovation: Always following the user’s lead may hamper truly novel ideas that users can’t yet imagine.
Case in point: Zappos
They tackled a major friction point in online shoe shopping—fit uncertainty—by offering free returns. This user-focused tweak overcame the biggest barrier, turning customers into devoted fans.
The user-centric approach articulates the whole customer journey for a great user experience. It aims to keep a keen eye on building customer loyalty and maximising user lifetime value.
What does “User-Centric” mean?
A user-centric approach puts your customers and their experience squarely at the heart of development. This means running user tests, interviews, surveys, and iterative feedback loops to refine the product based on real needs. It’s about delivering intuitive, accessible solutions customers genuinely crave.
Pros of a user-centric approach
1. Immediate market validation: By aligning directly with user requirements, you hit the ground running—there’s already a demand.
2. Long-term customer loyalty: People appreciate a brand that actually listens and adapts to their evolving problems.
3. Clearer roadmap: Continuous research provides clarity on what improvements or features your users actually want next.
4. Higher adoption rates: Products that solve genuine pain points tend to see quicker acceptance.
Cons of a user-centric approach
1. Resource-heavy research: Surveys, polls, and analytics can be pricey—especially if you gather large volumes of data.
2. Possible quality trade-offs: Focusing too much on user demands could lead to losing sight of engineering excellence or advanced features.
3. Time-consuming: Engaging thoroughly with users can slow things down.
4. Limited space for bold innovation: Always following the user’s lead may hamper truly novel ideas that users can’t yet imagine.
Case in point: Zappos
They tackled a major friction point in online shoe shopping—fit uncertainty—by offering free returns. This user-focused tweak overcame the biggest barrier, turning customers into devoted fans.
Product-centric vs user-centric: Key differences
A product development approach can be either product-driven or customer-centric, depending on what the customer prefers. Both approaches aim to ensure quality products and improve customer satisfaction. However, there are numerous key differences, which we have mentioned below.
Decision-making
Product-Centric: Based on internal vision, advanced tech, or unique features.
User-Centric: Rooted in research, interviews, and direct user feedback.
Innovation vs usability
Product-Centric: Aims for top-tier innovation, possibly introducing features people never knew they needed.
User-Centric: Puts user experience and intuitive design ahead of feature-laden novelties.
Time-to-market
Product-Centric: Often slower, waiting for the final, perfected release.
User-Centric: Quicker to launch minimum viable products, collecting feedback and improving in shorter cycles.
Success criteria
Product-Centric: Unique product differentiation and future market recognition.
User-Centric: Adoption rates, user satisfaction, and how well the product solves real problems.
A product development approach can be either product-driven or customer-centric, depending on what the customer prefers. Both approaches aim to ensure quality products and improve customer satisfaction. However, there are numerous key differences, which we have mentioned below.
Decision-making
Product-Centric: Based on internal vision, advanced tech, or unique features.
User-Centric: Rooted in research, interviews, and direct user feedback.
Innovation vs usability
Product-Centric: Aims for top-tier innovation, possibly introducing features people never knew they needed.
User-Centric: Puts user experience and intuitive design ahead of feature-laden novelties.
Time-to-market
Product-Centric: Often slower, waiting for the final, perfected release.
User-Centric: Quicker to launch minimum viable products, collecting feedback and improving in shorter cycles.
Success criteria
Product-Centric: Unique product differentiation and future market recognition.
User-Centric: Adoption rates, user satisfaction, and how well the product solves real problems.
Examples of product centric vs user-centric product development
There are many product-centric and user-centric companies. Some focus on developing and improving products without giving too much attention to users' needs, while others focus on gaining an edge in the market and building a loyal customer base. Some of the best examples are mentioned below.
Sonos (Product-Centric)
Few people initially clamoured for a sophisticated home audio setup. Yet Sonos launched a system so clever that once people tried it at a friend’s house, they wanted it too. They carved out a new niche—smart speakers—by trusting their product-led vision.
IKEA (User-Centric)
IKEA’s flat-pack furniture stands out for being user-friendly, customisable, and decently priced. They design with people’s day-to-day living spaces in mind, making assembly as painless as possible. That approach fosters personal ownership and fosters brand devotion.
There are many product-centric and user-centric companies. Some focus on developing and improving products without giving too much attention to users' needs, while others focus on gaining an edge in the market and building a loyal customer base. Some of the best examples are mentioned below.
Sonos (Product-Centric)
Few people initially clamoured for a sophisticated home audio setup. Yet Sonos launched a system so clever that once people tried it at a friend’s house, they wanted it too. They carved out a new niche—smart speakers—by trusting their product-led vision.
IKEA (User-Centric)
IKEA’s flat-pack furniture stands out for being user-friendly, customisable, and decently priced. They design with people’s day-to-day living spaces in mind, making assembly as painless as possible. That approach fosters personal ownership and fosters brand devotion.
Which approach should you choose?
In truth, most successful brands mix the two—pulling from user insights to build products that still push boundaries. If you go fully product-centric, you risk building a masterpiece no one asked for. If you go fully user-centric, you might only produce marginal upgrades rather than genuine innovation.
Ultimately, ask yourself:
What’s my business goal? Rapid adoption? Revenue from niche tech lovers?
Who’s my audience? Are they open to new gadgetry, or do they want something tried-and-true?
What’s the competition up to? Is the market full of me-too products, leaving room for major disruption?
A balanced mindset—where you emphasise advanced features but also keep tabs on user feedback—often yields the best results.
In truth, most successful brands mix the two—pulling from user insights to build products that still push boundaries. If you go fully product-centric, you risk building a masterpiece no one asked for. If you go fully user-centric, you might only produce marginal upgrades rather than genuine innovation.
Ultimately, ask yourself:
What’s my business goal? Rapid adoption? Revenue from niche tech lovers?
Who’s my audience? Are they open to new gadgetry, or do they want something tried-and-true?
What’s the competition up to? Is the market full of me-too products, leaving room for major disruption?
A balanced mindset—where you emphasise advanced features but also keep tabs on user feedback—often yields the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple product-centric or customer-centric?
Apple uses product-centric and user-centric approaches to understand users' needs, desires, and pain points. Its approach is based on introducing products that no one had ever dreamed of before and refining user experience by obsessing over every detail and pushing the product specifications to offer top-of-the-line options at a premium price.
What are the three principles of product development?
The product development process involves different steps that can vary with each company, and the following are three main pillars that help the product be sustained.
Product management
Product engineering
What is the user-centric design?
It’s a philosophy where user needs and preferences shape every decision, from concept to final UI. The objective is intuitive, friction-free interactions that solve real problems.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your product and your users are inseparable pieces of the same puzzle. Even the sleekest gadget or app will bomb if it doesn’t actually solve a real problem, just as the most intuitive user experience can’t save a half-baked product. The sweet spot? Bringing together both approaches—aligning your fresh ideas with users’ real needs—to create a brand that stands out for quality and relevance. By balancing product-centric excellence and user-centric insight, you’ll be able to innovate without losing sight of what your audience genuinely values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple product-centric or customer-centric?
Apple uses product-centric and user-centric approaches to understand users' needs, desires, and pain points. Its approach is based on introducing products that no one had ever dreamed of before and refining user experience by obsessing over every detail and pushing the product specifications to offer top-of-the-line options at a premium price.
What are the three principles of product development?
The product development process involves different steps that can vary with each company, and the following are three main pillars that help the product be sustained.
Product management
Product engineering
What is the user-centric design?
It’s a philosophy where user needs and preferences shape every decision, from concept to final UI. The objective is intuitive, friction-free interactions that solve real problems.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your product and your users are inseparable pieces of the same puzzle. Even the sleekest gadget or app will bomb if it doesn’t actually solve a real problem, just as the most intuitive user experience can’t save a half-baked product. The sweet spot? Bringing together both approaches—aligning your fresh ideas with users’ real needs—to create a brand that stands out for quality and relevance. By balancing product-centric excellence and user-centric insight, you’ll be able to innovate without losing sight of what your audience genuinely values.
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