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0 pointsbrookst1y ago0 comments

The problem with hardware companies is they’re bad at software because the disciplines are so different that what works for one doesn’t work for the other.

The problem with software companies is they’re bad at hardware for the same reason.

User experience companies can be good at both. Maybe not as good at hardware as a hardware company, maybe not as good at software as software companies.

Apple’s the obvious example, but Google, Garmin, heck even Starbucks are also good examples. Start with the user experience, build hardware of software or whatever else is needed. Specializing in a tool has value, but limits you to that tool.

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throw_pm231y ago

OK, I'll bite. How is selling shitty coffee in large quantities a good example of either software or hardware excellence?

brookstOP1y ago

It’s neither. But they’re successful because of the user experience — consistency, the preloaded cards, the mobile ordering with notifications when your order is ready.

They build whatever hardware (in store) or software (mobile / back end) is necessary to give the user experience they want.

But you’re absolutely right — we can lump their mediocre coffee into hardware, or call it “goods” as a third category that you also don’t have to be the best at if you’re a UX company.

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