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Saved February 14, 2026
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This article argues that relying on user opinions can mislead product teams. Instead of asking users what they want, it suggests observing their actual behaviors and understanding the underlying problems they face to create better solutions.
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Relying on user opinions to shape software products often leads teams astray. While it feels natural to ask users what they want through surveys or interviews, decades of research show that what people say frequently doesn’t align with their actual behavior. This misalignment, known as the say-do gap, can lead to poor product decisions, wasted resources, and ultimately, missed opportunities. Users often articulate their needs through specific feature requests that reflect personal preferences rather than the broader problems that need solving.
The article emphasizes the importance of observing actual user behavior instead of leaning solely on self-reported opinions. Observational research can reveal real issues that users may not be able to articulate. For example, watching users interact with a product can uncover hesitations, repeated actions, or inventive workarounds that highlight unmet needs. Analytics provide concrete data on user behavior, showing where they drop off or what features they actually use, which is more reliable than asking them what they think they want.
Feature requests should be viewed as signals of underlying problems rather than direct solutions. A request for an "export button" might indicate a need for better data management rather than just a desire for a new feature. Teams should focus on understanding the "why" behind these requests to uncover the real issues and find systemic solutions. Maintaining a structured backlog based on observed user patterns and validated problems helps prioritize development efforts effectively, steering clear of low-impact changes that don't contribute to meaningful outcomes.
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