The article compares fast-food chains' struggles with chicken sandwiches to the challenges SaaS companies face in adopting AI. It argues that many tech firms are adding AI features without shifting to an AI platform approach, risking their core identity and missing out on growth. The piece emphasizes the need for a clear focus on outcomes rather than just products.

Most SaaS products currently adopt either Incremental AI, which treats AI as a mere add-on, or Invisible AI, seamlessly integrated into the user experience. Successful products in the future will focus on solving complex problems rather than marketing their AI capabilities, emphasizing user outcomes instead of technology. As AI becomes commonplace, the true value will lie in its invisibility and effectiveness in enhancing workflows.

Brian T. O’Neill interviews Todd Olson, CEO of Pendo, discussing the challenges of user adoption for analytics SaaS products and the role of AI in enhancing user experience. Olson emphasizes the importance of simplifying dashboards, understanding user needs, and shifting focus from vanity metrics to meaningful engagement metrics like "stickiness."

The traditional product trio of Product Manager, Engineer, and Designer is evolving to include a Product Marketing Manager and a Growth Owner, reflecting the need for deeper collaboration in an increasingly crowded SaaS market. As AI accelerates product development and competition intensifies, teams must integrate distribution and marketing strategies into their product development processes to ensure adoption and success. The article discusses the necessity of this new triad and how to implement it effectively in organizations.