The hottest Product Development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics
The American Peasant 2715 implied HN points 27 Oct 24
  1. The Exeter Hammer was developed over three years to create a lightweight, balanced tool ideal for furniture makers. It combines good design and functionality to improve woodworking tasks.
  2. The hammer's design process involved scrapping an earlier project that felt too similar to common hammers on the market. This led to creating a unique hammer that meets specific needs of woodworkers.
  3. The first 400 hammers sold quickly, showing a strong demand and approval from users. This success suggests that thoughtful design can resonate well with the target audience.
Generating Conversation 163 implied HN points 24 Feb 25
  1. RunLLM is an AI designed to help support teams by managing technical questions and documentation, making the process easier for both support staff and customers.
  2. One challenge for support teams is that technical products often create complex questions that can overwhelm them. RunLLM helps lighten that load by providing quick and accurate answers.
  3. Instead of just answering questions, RunLLM engages with users, helping to boost their confidence in seeking help and improving overall customer satisfaction.
The Breaking Point 279 implied HN points 17 Oct 24
  1. Value is based on how the buyer sees it. For example, ice cubes can be very valuable on a hot day, but not so much on a cold one.
  2. Customers often find high value in features that are easy to create, rather than the complex ones. A simple 'Export to Powerpoint' function ended up being super useful for many users.
  3. Sometimes, the reasons customers buy a product aren’t just about how useful it is. They might buy it for the customer service, prestige, or other factors that might surprise you.
General Robots 383 implied HN points 11 Feb 25
  1. Being correct means having a product that works as intended—it's stable, bug-free, and meets specifications. However, it can be very costly to reach near-perfect correctness.
  2. Being good is about providing value and meeting customer needs. There's no limit to how good a product can become, and making something better is always beneficial.
  3. To improve a product, it's essential to iterate quickly based on real customer feedback. This helps in learning what features work best and keeps development moving efficiently.
More Than Moore 373 implied HN points 05 Feb 25
  1. AMD's revenue has seen a big boost, with a 24% increase in Q4 2024 compared to the previous year. This growth is driven by strong sales in their data center and client segments.
  2. The company has shifted its focus towards high-margin products, which has significantly improved profitability. Their data center revenue is now a major part of their earnings.
  3. While AMD's gaming sector faced challenges with declining sales, they expect a recovery in 2025 as console orders normalize and new products are launched.
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The Hagakure 92 implied HN points 12 Jun 25
  1. It's important to build a connected system for your team that everyone understands and trusts. This helps improve productivity and makes sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities.
  2. Staying honest and present with your team is key. Being approachable and authentic can help build strong relationships, especially during tough times.
  3. Embracing change quickly is vital, especially when new technologies emerge. Don't hesitate to adapt your strategy and structure to meet new challenges head-on.
The Hagakure 26 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  1. Traditional team structures need to adapt for AI projects. Everyone should work together from the start, rather than following a strict order of tasks.
  2. Engineers play a vital role in shaping AI products. Their early input helps to avoid misunderstandings and creates better outcomes.
  3. Building critical thinking into the team is important. Everyone should be involved in discussions about what and why things are being built, to help the team adapt and move quickly.
Dev Interrupted 18 implied HN points 24 Jun 25
  1. Amazon is using AI to make video creation super easy for businesses of all sizes. Now, anyone can create a professional-looking video with just one click.
  2. Bringing engineers and scientists into direct talks with customers has helped Amazon gather valuable feedback for improving their products. This shows how important customer input is for innovation.
  3. The hiring process at some tech companies, like Cursor, is changing by letting candidates work on real projects right away instead of doing tests. This focuses more on skills than traditional interviews.
The VC Corner 419 implied HN points 18 Aug 24
  1. A good product-market fit means the product meets the needs of its target audience. This ensures customers find value and want to buy it.
  2. Global market snapshots help investors understand economic trends and make informed decisions. Keeping an eye on these trends can lead to better investment choices.
  3. GDP growth projections are important indicators of a country's economic health. They can show how well an economy is doing and influence business strategies.
Elizabeth Laraki 199 implied HN points 03 Sep 24
  1. Gmail was built to be fast and user-friendly. The designers wanted everyone to enjoy using email instead of feeling overwhelmed by it.
  2. Key features like conversation threading changed how we view email. Instead of treating each email as a separate message, Gmail groups related messages together for easier tracking.
  3. Designing for joy means creating a simple and pleasant user experience. The goal was to make Gmail so easy to use that it felt natural and enjoyable for everyone.
The VC Corner 159 implied HN points 05 Sep 24
  1. Going multi-product is important for companies that want to grow and succeed. It can help them stand out in the market and attract more customers.
  2. Successful companies often have a clear plan for when and what new products to introduce. Timing and strategy matter a lot in this process.
  3. Many large public companies today started with one product and expanded later. Learning from their journeys can guide new founders as they build their businesses.
Big Technology 16387 implied HN points 07 Mar 24
  1. Google's open culture deteriorated, impacting its product quality and employee morale.
  2. Issues began when Google shut down discussions on sensitive topics like diversity and employee concerns.
  3. The closure of open channels for questioning within Google led to a negative impact on the company's innovation and decision-making processes.
SatPost by Trung Phan 175 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. Garmin transformed from an automotive GPS company to a leader in fitness watches by investing heavily in research and development. This shift helped it survive the competition from tech giants like Apple and Google.
  2. The company showed strong adaptability when its core automotive market declined, successfully pivoting to fitness and outdoor activities by creating specialized products like GPS-enabled watches for runners.
  3. Garmin's commitment to innovation and vertical integration has allowed it to maintain high-quality standards and respond quickly to market changes, helping it compete effectively despite challenges from larger tech companies.
Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged 1246 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. Most customers don't really care if a product is AI-powered. They want to know how it will solve their problems, not get lost in technical jargon.
  2. Highlighting the benefits and real outcomes of a product works better than focusing on the AI label. Show customers how your product can make their lives easier.
  3. Using 'AI' in marketing can sometimes backfire. It can lower customer expectations and doesn't always justify a higher price. It's better to focus on value rather than buzzwords.
Good Better Best 1 implied HN point 20 Jun 25
  1. Pricing updates can take a lot of time due to slow billing systems. Using a centralized rate card model can help make changes faster and easier.
  2. A/B testing prices works well in some situations but isn’t always practical. Testing prices in similar markets might be a good option if you need to keep pricing public.
  3. Creating a clear framework for volume pricing helps build trust and makes negotiations smoother. This way, both sides can understand the pricing logic, leading to better relationships.
Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter 2955 implied HN points 18 Oct 24
  1. The Rizzler is a popular third grader who went viral on social media and maintains a normal life despite his fame. His dad supports him but has no plans to push a long-term online career for him.
  2. Using tech like 'dumb phones' won't solve problems with technology use; people need to learn how to manage their time and choices better instead. It’s more about personal control rather than blaming gadgets.
  3. Sam Altman is trying to make an eye-scanning orb a reality for verifying identities with AI, although it's facing challenges like getting people to use it. They're now offering delivery for these orbs, similar to food delivery.
Kenny’s Sub 299 implied HN points 22 Jul 24
  1. Haggling often doesn't work well in the long run. It's better to stick to your price and negotiate on other terms if needed.
  2. $1 can feel expensive to some people. They may not see the value in what they are buying or find it too much effort for a small price.
  3. You need to have products ready to sell. Without anything to offer, it's tough to make money. Planning ahead is crucial.
Jakob Nielsen on UX 11 implied HN points 17 Feb 25
  1. Grok 3 is about to launch and promises to be a smarter AI. It’s important to compare it with future models like GPT-5 to see how much better they become.
  2. OpenAI has simplified their product naming, making it easier to understand what each version offers. GPT-5 will also come with better features for users who pay for a subscription.
  3. The way we use AI in creative work can really boost quality. Using multiple models and refining ideas helps combine the best outcomes, making it a collaborative tool not just a replacement.
Venture Curator 339 implied HN points 13 Jun 24
  1. Start with the customer's experience in mind: Steve Jobs emphasized beginning with the customer experience and working backward to the technology.
  2. Avoid asking customers what they want: Instead of focusing on functional needs, look at emotional and social goals to drive innovation.
  3. Disruptive innovation is key: Jobs believed in disrupting industries with low-cost, simpler solutions to stay relevant and drive success.
Tippets by Taps 6 implied HN points 12 Jun 25
  1. AI tools like Claude and Cursor are really helping with coding tasks, but sales AI tools still have a long way to go. Many founders are using AI to save time and improve accuracy in their work.
  2. Custom GPTs are a favorite among founders because they solve specific problems quickly. People are moving away from traditional CRMs to more AI-native options that offer deeper insights.
  3. While AI is making strides in development, many sales tools are still underwhelming. Founders are frustrated that they have to customize solutions instead of relying on existing AI products to meet their needs.
The Beautiful Mess 476 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Lean principles are useful for all types of organizations but need to be applied with context in mind. It's important to adapt these ideas rather than stick to a strict method.
  2. Different models like path graphs, directed acyclic graphs, and network graphs help us understand how organizations function. Each model serves a unique purpose, and they often overlap.
  3. Most companies need to balance different approaches based on their growth and challenges. Moving towards more network-oriented and directed models can help improve collaboration and effectiveness.
Alex's Personal Blog 32 implied HN points 28 Jan 25
  1. Investors might have assumed that U.S. tech companies would always lead in AI, but that dominance isn't guaranteed. New challenges can always arise from competitors.
  2. The rapid drop in Nvidia's market value shows how volatile the tech sector can be, especially with hype around AI. A sudden selloff can happen, and it can be surprising.
  3. There's a perception that other countries, like China, are not idle when it comes to AI development. Many talented developers worldwide are working hard, so competition is always increasing.
Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged 962 implied HN points 09 Oct 24
  1. Create a minimum remarkable product that really stands out. This means your initial product should be good enough to impress people right away, as getting their trust back later is tough.
  2. Use storytelling to engage your audience. Instead of a big launch event, try to build a community around your product through authentic content and personal stories.
  3. Stay lean by using automation and AI to keep things efficient. It's better to have a small, skilled team that can innovate rather than hiring lots of people to get things done.
More Than Moore 256 implied HN points 01 Nov 24
  1. Intel's recent financial report shows a drop in revenue but highlights some solid fundamentals when looking closer. The big losses are mostly from costs tied to restructuring and asset impairment, but without those, the numbers look much better.
  2. The company is focusing heavily on improving its margins and operations with new products coming up, especially in AI and client computing. However, they face tough competition in the AI market, lagging behind companies like NVIDIA.
  3. There are expectations for recovery in margins and revenue as newer products are released in the coming years. Overall, the restructuring seems to have some positive signs, but Intel needs to effectively deliver on its promised technology advancements.
Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged 520 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  1. Identify who your target customers are and what problem your product solves. Knowing your audience helps position your product effectively.
  2. To stand out, clearly define how your product is different from its competitors. Focus on unique features or benefits that are important to your customers.
  3. If you're in a crowded market, consider creating real differentiation or targeting an underserved area. Both strategies can help your product capture attention and grow.
The Beautiful Mess 647 implied HN points 20 Nov 24
  1. Companies often deal with three types of work: large projects, independent product work, and new zero-to-one efforts. Each type requires different management and has its own risks.
  2. As a company grows, it shifts from doing new projects to having more complex ones. It’s important to balance these types of work to avoid chaos and inefficiency.
  3. Recognizing when to formalize new processes is crucial. Waiting too long could lead to bigger problems, so it’s key to find a balance between addressing issues and letting some friction stay.
Venture Curator 239 implied HN points 11 Jun 24
  1. Successful startups grow quadratically, not exponentially, debunking the common misconception about their growth pattern.
  2. A framework for finding the right customers for your MVP involves focusing on a special subset of users who are excited about the long-term vision of the product.
  3. Understanding the Power User Curve can help identify and cater to highly engaged users, leading to more targeted product development and growth strategies.
VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES 79 implied HN points 05 Aug 24
  1. To turn your service into a product, pick a specific service to offer and make it easy for clients to understand what they're getting. This helps people know exactly what to expect.
  2. Identify your ideal clients to better tailor your services to their needs. Knowing who your customers are makes it easier to attract and keep them.
  3. Create a clear system for how you deliver your service, and hire help early on. This frees up your time so you can focus on growing your business instead of just doing all the tasks yourself.
The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) 99 implied HN points 24 Jul 24
  1. AI systems look like they can think independently, but they really can't. They are tools that need humans to make decisions about value.
  2. Meaning-making is a core human skill that AI lacks. Only humans can decide what actions are meaningful and worthwhile.
  3. When we treat AI as if it can make important decisions, we risk misusing it. It's crucial to keep humans involved in the decision-making process.
The AI Frontier 79 implied HN points 01 Aug 24
  1. Vibes-based evaluations are a helpful starting point for assessing AI quality, especially when specific metrics are hard to define. They allow for initial impressions based on user interactions rather than strict guidelines.
  2. Customers often have unique and unexpected requests that can't easily fit into predefined test sets. Vibes allow for flexibility in understanding real-world usage.
  3. While vibes are useful, they also have downsides, like strong first impressions and limited feedback. A mix of vibes and structured evaluations can provide a better overall understanding of an AI's performance.
Venture Curator 939 implied HN points 02 Jan 24
  1. Product-market fit goes beyond building a product people like; it involves understanding the numbers behind it.
  2. Founders can fall into the trap of 'Fake Product-Market Fit' by focusing on the wrong signs like securing funding or excessive spending.
  3. To achieve genuine product-market fit, founders need to monitor metrics, control spending, and ensure a strong connection between the product and the market.
Artificial Ignorance 176 implied HN points 14 Nov 24
  1. Using chatbots for AI interactions can be confusing and hard work. They require a lot of mental effort to figure out what to input and understand the output, making simple tasks feel complicated.
  2. Good design for AI tools should allow for easy, direct manipulation of tasks. Instead of a chat interface, we should use designs that show clear options and let users interact with the AI in a simpler, more visual way.
  3. The future of AI products will focus on tailored interfaces that fit specific needs. These will provide ways to access AI's power more directly and intuitively, similar to how we moved from basic mobile sites to advanced apps.
The VC Corner 279 implied HN points 17 May 24
  1. Timing is really important for startup success. Investors often say it's a key reason startups succeed or fail.
  2. You should connect timing drivers to your business model. If your timing advantage doesn't improve your model, it might lead to wasting resources.
  3. Market size can change with timing. It's not just about current numbers, but understanding the shifts that can open new market opportunities.