What Are Product Delighters?

As product managers, we often focus on solving problems and meeting the core needs of our users. But what if we could go beyond that and create experiences that truly delight our users? This is where the concept of "product delighters" comes in.

Understanding Product Delighters

Product delighters are features or aspects of a product that go above and beyond the basic requirements to provide a delightful experience to the user. These are the elements that users may not have explicitly asked for but, when experienced, leave a lasting positive impression.

Imagine you're using a software application that helps you organize your tasks. It does everything you need it to do: adding tasks, setting deadlines, creating reminders, etc. Now, imagine this app also occasionally sends you motivational quotes when you complete a task or suggests a break after a long working session. These small, unexpected touches can transform a functional product into a delightful one.

The Importance of Delighters

Why should product managers invest time and resources into creating product delighters? Here are a few compelling reasons:

1. User Loyalty and Retention: Delighters can significantly enhance user satisfaction and loyalty. When users feel genuinely delighted by your product, they are more likely to stick around and even become advocates for it.
2. Differentiation in the Market: In a competitive market, delighters can set your product apart from the rest. While competitors might offer similar core features, delighters can create a unique and memorable experience.
3. Emotional Connection: Delighters often tap into users' emotions, creating a deeper connection with the product. This emotional bond can be a powerful driver of continued engagement.

Examples of Product Delighters

Let's explore a few real-world examples of product delighters:

• Apple's MacBook Keyboard: The MacBook keyboard has a feature where the keys light up in response to the ambient light around you. This not only improves usability in low light conditions but also adds a touch of sophistication.
• Slack's Loading Messages: Slack, a popular messaging platform, displays fun and quirky loading messages while the app is starting up. These messages are not essential to the app’s functionality but add a playful element that users appreciate.
• Google Doodles: Google often changes its logo on the homepage to celebrate holidays, events, and anniversaries. These doodles are a delightful surprise that users look forward to, even though they are not part of the core search functionality.

Creating Delighters: A Thoughtful Approach

While the idea of adding delightful features to your product is appealing, it’s crucial to approach this thoughtfully. Here are a few tips:

1. Know Your Users: Understand your users deeply – their needs, preferences, and what might delight them. This requires thorough user research and empathy.
2. Keep It Subtle: Delighters should enhance the experience without overwhelming it. They should be small, pleasant surprises, not intrusive or disruptive elements.
3. Align with Core Values: Ensure that the delighters align with your product’s core values and brand identity. They should feel natural and authentic, not forced or gimmicky.

Product delighters are the cherry on top of a well-crafted product. They can transform a good user experience into a great one, fostering loyalty and creating memorable interactions. As product managers, striving to incorporate delighters thoughtfully can elevate our products and make them truly stand out in the crowded marketplace.

So, next time you’re planning your product roadmap, don’t just think about solving problems. Think about how you can delight your users – because sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.