Planning your product features? Check user impact with 6D empathy lens!

Introduction

Hey there, amazing founders! Picture this: a product so perfect for your users, it's like you read their minds. That's not just luck; it's about diving deep into what really matters to them. Let's embark on a journey to unlock this superpower together.

Why knowing your user is everything?

Imagine you're crafting a new app for coffee lovers. You know they're out there, craving that perfect cup. But to make your app their morning go-to, you need to see the world through their eyes. This step is where the magic happens or, sadly, where some dreams fizzle out.

Inspired by the savvy jobs-to-be-done framework, we're diving deep into the art of understanding user needs. Each job represents an opportunity for your user to engage with your product in a meaningful way, like discovering the perfect cup of coffee in a sea of choices. But this journey isn't just about coffee; it's about connecting with the experience, the community, and the excitement of discovery.

Explore the six dimensions of empathy to create heart-winning products:

1. User and job context:

Take Sarah's quest to immerse herself in local coffee cultures as an example. She might not be looking for yet another cafe finder app; perhaps, she's seeking a coffee community. This perspective urges us to understand not only what our users are trying to achieve but also the broader context of their goals. Can your product offer a higher-level solution that they hadn't considered?

2. Functional job:

Drill down to what Joe really struggles with every morning—finding quick, quality coffee before his commute. That's your app's mission. This aligns with identifying the functional job, focusing on the specific task your product is "hired" to do. Understanding the precise problem helps in crafting a solution that resonates deeply with users.

3. Emotional state & need:

Anna feels a rush of joy discovering new coffee blends. Capturing this excitement in your app can transform her morning routine into an eagerly anticipated adventure. This step correlates with recognising the emotional state and need of the user. 

4. Social state & need:

Reflect on Mike's desire to share his coffee discoveries, despite feeling isolated. Incorporating features that cater to social sharing and recognition can fulfil user's social needs, creating a more engaging and connected experience. Understanding the social dynamics at play can guide innovative features that meet these needs.

5. Habit of past & inertia:

Recognising that people are creatures of habit, as seen when suggesting a new cafe route to Lisa, is crucial. Your product must provide a seamless transition from old routines to new ones. This involves carefully considering how your product can integrate into or gently modify existing habits without causing disruption.

6. Fear of change:

Introducing a safety net, like a guarantee for a free drink if a recommended cafe doesn't meet expectations, can ease the fear of trying new things, as with Eric's hesitance. Products that are new to potential users represent a risk; by making your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) simple and low-risk, you encourage trials and adoption.

Digging deeper before building

Before prototyping, conduct market segmentation to identify the group with the most pressing and frequent issues. Then, perform a 6D analysis to understand their needs across these dimensions. 

Conclusion

The goal of this 6D empathy exercise is not to create features for every identified need but to prioritise according to your unique value proposition. This strategic approach helps in deciding which features will distinguish your product and contribute to your vision of becoming a market leader. Ready to create something truly special? Click to brew this adventure together! with fn7 Helix.