My Daily Emails

I was at Starbucks yesterday, waiting for my Americano and browsing the merchandise wall. The prices stunned me. Not because they were high (though they were), or because I’m a cheapskate (I

When I was writing about Lush the other day in my post about Experience Design innovation, I was reminded how the brand did something in 2022 that most wouldn’t dare: They

Stopping by the grocery store closest to my home yesterday to grab coffee cream, something got my wheels turning. At the customer service desk near the checkouts, mixed in with

I play this fun game every time a delivery arrives: Guess what’s inside based on the box size. I’m terrible at it. Last week, a watch band arrived in a

A Keurig sits on our office counter. We use it daily. Quick, fresh coffee, one cup at a time. And often when I pop in a K-Cup, I think about John Sylvan.

Happy Saturday! Most people think product innovation means adding new features. But that’s just one of NINE main ways you can create meaningful differentiation. Let me show you all nine,

Standing in the card aisle yesterday, I watched last-minute shoppers face that familiar moment of sticker shock. Looking at card after card, finding one that seems ok. Flipping it over.

When I help product teams to eliminate friction, I expect to get some pushback. They may point to luxury brands, premium products, and companies that thrive despite — or because

Ever watch someone struggle with a new product interface because they’re stuck in old patterns? That’s the Einstellung Effect at work. You might recall that I referenced it a few

Starbucks doesn’t make the world’s best latte.  Jack Daniel’s isn’t the world’s finest whiskey. And McDonald’s? Let’s not even pretend about those burgers. Yet these brands absolutely DOMINATE their categories. Because perfect isn’t