Company
Date Published
Author
Des Traynor
Word count
1130
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

When taking product feedback from users, it's essential to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is soliciting feedback from all users at once, which can lead to a mix of different user types and opinions being collected. Instead, focus on specific groups, such as new sign-ups or users who don't use certain features. Another mistake is relying solely on one-time feedback requests, which may not provide enough context for meaningful insights. Periodically checking in with users can help gather more valuable feedback over time. It's also crucial to distinguish between free and paying user feedback, as their experiences and pain points differ significantly. Additionally, don't fall for vocal minorities or assume that a single feature request represents the needs of all users. Instead, treat every clustering of feedback as a hypothesis and verify it before building solutions. Finally, be aware that customer feature requests often reflect individual design skills and knowledge, rather than the product's overall vision. By abstracting above what's requested and considering the broader user needs, you can make more informed decisions about product development.