Most startups are not just built for the person who is using them. When you do that, every now and then you get really lucky and... are representative of some huge class of people who all want the same thing you do... but very often that just turns into a side project that doesn't go anywhere.
Emmett ShearUsers think they know what they want, but you get the horseless carriage effect where you're getting asked for a faster horse.
Emmett ShearThe question is, once you have this idea, is this enough? Is it something people would actually switch just to have?
Emmett ShearThat's actually one of the most disappointing things about doing user interviews and user feedback, which is why I think... people don't do it. You're going to get negative news about your favorite pet feature most of the time.
Emmett ShearYou have this idea that you think is awesome. You want to have that broadest group you possibly can. You don't want to just talk to 1 type of person and learn that, you want to get familiar with the space.
Emmett ShearI wish I could tell you the recipe for figuring out who the target user is for your product and who your users should be, but... there isn't a recipe. It comes down to think really hard and use your judgement to figure out who you're really building this for.
Emmett ShearMost startups are not just built for the person who is using them. When you do that, every now and then you get really lucky and... are representative of some huge class of people who all want the same thing you do... but very often that just turns into a side project that doesn't go anywhere.
Emmett Shear