Why you shouldn’t ignore niche app user types

Product teams often focus on tech-savvy users when designing digital interfaces, but there is significant value in catering to "niche" or "edge" users, such as first-time digital users, low-literacy individuals, older adults, people with disabilities, and those with low connectivity. These groups form a large part of the global population, and designing with them in mind can lead to more intuitive, durable, and inclusive products. By addressing the unique needs of these users—like simple onboarding for first-time users, visual-based navigation for low-literacy individuals, and accessibility features for older adults and people with disabilities—products can become more user-friendly and dominate new markets. Despite challenges like stakeholder skepticism and resource costs, prioritizing inclusive design can enhance usability for all users and provide a competitive advantage. Strategies such as early research, proxy personas, and A/B testing can help mitigate these challenges, ultimately leading to increased user satisfaction, loyalty, and market reach.