The Effect of Perspective on Product Assessment
Observations on why external viewpoints often identify issues or potential more readily than internal teams
There appears to be a distinct clarity that comes with observing something from a distance, without direct involvement in its creation.
Recently, I encountered a YouTube video titled "The Tower of Babel (Biblically Accurate)". Despite the creator having a small subscriber base, this specific video gained significant traction. The reasons seemed apparent: the title combined intrigue with specificity, the content fulfilled the promise, and the presentation had a particular quality that resonated. Recognizing its appeal did not require deep marketing analysis; the effectiveness felt intuitive.
This prompted reflection on a recurring pattern observed not just in online content, but also in software development, product design, and even internal tooling. From an external standpoint, it often seems straightforward to identify what is effective and what is not. Many people can form a quick, often accurate, assessment of a product's appeal or usability upon first encounter. Yet, for those involved in the development process – attending meetings, writing code, refining details – this immediate clarity can become obscured.
The Challenge of Internal Perspective
My professional work involves large-scale systems at AWS, focusing on technical aspects like performance and reliability. Alongside this, I develop personal side projects. A consistent observation across both contexts is that proximity to a project tends to reduce one's ability to perceive it as an outsider would.
- Familiarity with a feature's intended purpose can overshadow assessment of its actual usability or obviousness to a new user.
- Knowledge of constraints, technical debt, or future plans can normalize design choices that might otherwise seem counter-intuitive.
- It becomes easy to forget that most users are not deeply invested in understanding the system; they typically scan for immediate value or function.
The Clarity Afforded by Distance
An external observer lacks internal context, and this lack of context is precisely what facilitates a clear assessment of the immediate user experience.
This observer does not need to comprehend the underlying system architecture or development history. They primarily react to friction points, notice communication gaps, or identify areas where the product fails to resonate quickly. Questions that seem basic or obvious from this perspective can often highlight fundamental issues.
This underscores the value of seeking external feedback. A brief review by someone unfamiliar with the project can yield insights potentially missed by the core team over extended periods.
Maintaining Objectivity During Development
Based on these observations, certain practices might help retain a degree of external perspective while building:
- Seek external feedback early and often, even on incomplete work. Initial reactions can be particularly informative.
- Observe without explaining. If a feature or concept requires significant explanation to be understood, its clarity may need improvement.
- Recognize the importance of clear communication. Titles, labels, button text, and introductory sentences significantly impact initial perception and usability.
- Assume initial indifference. A product must quickly demonstrate value to capture and retain user attention.
- Cultivate detachment. Personal investment in specific features or ideas can impede objective evaluation.
Clarity as a Factor in Adoption
Widespread adoption, sometimes termed virality, often seems correlated with clarity. An idea or product that is easily understood, clearly presented, and resonates with a need or interest is more likely to be shared.
Products or content that gain rapid traction often exhibit sharpness rather than just volume. They tend to communicate a core value proposition efficiently and avoid unnecessary complexity.
Concluding Observation
Encountering a product and questioning its design or market fit often stems from applying that external perspective. You are likely noticing something the internal team may have overlooked due to their proximity.
This external viewpoint is challenging to maintain when deeply involved in a project, yet it remains a highly valuable lens for assessment.