Digital products have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Whether apps, software or online platforms - they determine how we communicate, work and shop. However, despite their ubiquity, there are many misconceptions about digital products that often lead to unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings.
In this article, we shed light on the most common misconceptions and explain why it is important to overcome these misunderstandings.
What are digital products?
Before we look at the misunderstandings, it's worth taking a quick look at the definition: digital products are intangible products that are provided in digital form. They can include software programmes, mobile apps, e-books, online courses or even digital art. Companies invest in digital products to optimise processes, open up new markets or offer customers a better experience.
Despite their immense benefits, digital products are often surrounded by misconceptions. These misconceptions can be problematic for both companies and customers.
Misconception 1: Digital products are created overnight
Many people believe that digital products can be developed quickly and effortlessly - a misconception that is often fuelled by media success stories. Famous apps such as Instagram or Airbnb may seem like spontaneous flashes of inspiration, but the reality is different: Developing a digital product requires careful planning, expertise and, above all, time.
The reality: a long process
Developing a digital product is a complex process that requires careful planning, expertise and collaboration. From the initial idea to the finished product, a project goes through several phases, all of which are essential for success. To give you a realistic picture.
1. Brainstorming and conceptualisation
The starting point of every digital product is an idea - often inspired by a specific problem to be solved or a vision for a new user experience. In this phase, the stakeholders work to concretise the idea and understand what benefits the product should bring. Important questions are clarified:
- What is the aim of the product?
- Who is the target group and what problems are being addressed?
- What core functions should the product offer?
The answers to these questions form the basis for a concept that serves as a guide for all further steps. A product without a clear concept risks not reaching its target group or being implemented inefficiently.
2. Design phase: User interface (UI) and user experience (UX)
Once the idea and concept have been defined, the design phase begins. The focus here is on designing the product visually and functionally. It is not just about designing a visually appealing layout, but also creating a user-friendly experience.
- User interface (UI): This encompasses the visual design of the interface, including colours, typography, icons and layouts. The aim is to create a design that represents the brand and is intuitive to use at the same time.
- User experience (UX): The focus is on how users interact with the product. Designers create wireframes and prototypes to optimise user flows and ensure that all interactions are logical and enjoyable.
Close feedback with the target group often takes place during this phase. User testing and iterative improvements ensure that the product is both functional and appealing.
3. Development phase: From code to functionality
The development phase is the technical realisation of the product. Software developers use the concept and designs to write the code and implement the desired functions. This step is often the most time-consuming, as the technical foundations are laid here.
Key aspects of development:
- Frontend development: Everything that the user sees directly and interacts with (e.g. buttons, forms, animations) is developed in the frontend.
- Backend development: The backend forms the "invisible" backbone of the product. This is where databases are managed, logic is implemented and interfaces to other systems are created.
- Integration of features: Depending on the project, specific functions such as user registrations, payment processing, personalisation options or AI modules are integrated.
Team collaboration:
The developers work closely with designers and project managers to ensure that the technical implementation meets the design requirements.
At the same time, care is taken to ensure that the architecture remains scalable and easy to maintain.
4. Testing and quality assurance
Once the product has been technically implemented, the testing phase follows. This step is crucial to ensure that the product works as intended and offers high quality.
- Function tests: Checking whether all functions work as intended (e.g. whether the "Buy" button actually triggers an order).
- Usability tests: Ensuring that users can easily find their way around the product and have no difficulties using it.
- Security tests: Identifying and fixing potential security vulnerabilities, especially for sensitive data such as payment information.
- Load tests: Checking the stability of the product under high load, e.g. when many users access it at the same time.
Tests are often carried out in several iterations and errors (known as bugs) are fixed by the developers. A thorough testing phase significantly reduces the risk of users encountering problems after the launch.
Misconception 2: Digital products are "finished once"
Another common misconception is that digital products are "finished" once they have been published. Many users and even companies think that no further work is required after the launch. But the opposite is true.
The reality: Continuous updates and maintenance
Digital products are dynamic and need to be updated regularly to keep pace with technical developments and user requirements. Security gaps need to be closed, new functions integrated and old bugs fixed.
Example: Every app that you use on your smartphone receives regular updates. These updates not only ensure better performance, but often also provide new features that improve the user experience.
Misconception 3: They always work perfectly
"Why doesn't it work?" - Many users ask themselves this question when digital products don't work as expected. The expectation that digital products will work flawlessly and perfectly is widespread, but unrealistic.
The reality: mistakes are part of the game
Even the most sophisticated digital products are not free of errors. Bugs, technical problems and compatibility issues are normal parts of a software life cycle. Teething troubles often occur, especially with new products, which can only be rectified through user feedback and further testing.
Example: Large software providers such as Microsoft or Apple regularly release updates to fix bugs that were overlooked despite intensive testing before the launch.
Misconception 4: Design is secondary
Another misconception concerns the role of design. It is often assumed that the design of a digital product is merely a "nice-to-have" and that functionality should take centre stage. However, this assumption is a mistake that can significantly limit the potential of a product.
The reality: design is crucial
The design of a product has a significant influence on how users perceive and use it. A good user interface (UI) ensures that the product can be operated intuitively, while a well thought-out user experience (UX) ensures that users are satisfied in the long term.
Example: Products such as Airbnb or Spotify owe their success not only to their functionality, but also to their well thought-out and appealing design, which offers users a smooth and pleasant experience.
Misconception 5: "Anyone can develop this"
The increasing availability of online tools and modular systems often gives the impression that anyone can develop digital products. However, even if these tools make it easier to get started, they cannot replace professional development.
The reality: Expertise is indispensable
The development of high-quality digital products requires a team of experts, including developers, designers, project managers and marketing specialists. Each member contributes specific knowledge to the success of the product. Without this expertise, many projects fall short of their potential.
Example: A simple website construction kit may be sufficient for smaller projects, but for more complex requirements such as e-commerce platforms or customised applications, tailor-made solutions are necessary.
Misconception 6: Digital products are always expensive
Many companies are reluctant to invest in digital products because they fear high costs. However, this assumption falls short and ignores the bigger picture.
The reality: investment pays off
Digital products can cost different amounts depending on the requirements and scope. However, a well-planned investment can pay off in the long term through greater efficiency, increased sales and customer satisfaction.
Example: The development of an e-commerce system may initially be cost-intensive, but the automation of sales processes and access to a global market offer enormous benefits.
Why these misunderstandings are problematic
The misunderstandings mentioned above can have serious consequences. They lead to false expectations, which can burden the development process and cause frustration on both the company and customer side. Companies that are not aware of what the development of digital products really requires run the risk of planning or budgeting their projects incorrectly.
How to avoid misunderstandings
For companies:
- Clear communication: Talk to your development team or agency about the exact process and expectations.
- Realistic planning: Consider the time and resources required for development and maintenance.
- Focus on the user: Always remember that a successful product fulfils the needs of your target group.
For customers:
- Ask questions: Understand the process behind digital products to be better prepared.
- Think long-term: See digital products as ongoing projects that require maintenance and further development.
- Choose professional partners: Work with experienced agencies or experts who can guide you through the process.
Conclusion
Digital products are at the heart of modern companies and services, but they are often surrounded by misunderstandings. These misunderstandings lead to unrealistic expectations and can jeopardise projects. By consciously analysing the requirements and processes behind digital products, you create the basis for successful projects.
If you have any further questions or need support with the development of your digital product, we will be happy to assist you. Together, we can turn your vision into reality - without misunderstandings.