Designing for Market Fit
Weekly Design
#009: Designing for Market Fit
Hey friends 👋
This is Balint from “The Psychology Behind Design” and Balint Studio.
Every Thursday, I share 3 quick product design tips for founders and designers.
3-2-1: Vamos!
1. Listen before you design
Conduct problem interviews, not just user tests
Map out the customer journey beyond your product
Identify pain points your competitors are missing
Insight: Airbnb found its market fit by solving for trust, not just accommodation.
2. Prototype to learn, not to build
Create low-fidelity MVPs to test core value
Use "Wizard of Oz" techniques to simulate features
Measure interest, not just usability
Remember: A prototype that fails fast saves months of misguided development.
3. Three signs your design is missing the mark:
High acquisition, low retention
Users don't use key features as intended
Frequent feature requests for things you've intentionally left out
These aren't just UX issues. They're market fit problems.
My Favorite Things this Week
🎨 Design - A quote that speaks for itself. It applies to design, products, you name it.
2. 🪚 Tool - Distraction has become too expensive and SelfControl solves that. It’s the most effective tool I’ve found lately. With this tool you set your block list of websites, a timer and no matter what, you can’t get back in until the time’s up. Even restarting your computer or deleting the app won’t work. It’s been a lifesaver for my focus.
3. 🧠 Psychology - Ahead's pricing screen is a masterclass in persuasive design.
Here’s why it works:
1. Framing: "Invest in your happiness" reframes the cost as a positive investment, not an expense.
2. Smart Comparisons: Contrasting with Starbucks and therapy makes the app seem like a bargain.
3. Value Proposition: Checks for fun, health, and 24/7 availability emphasize unique benefits.
4. Pricing Psychology: Breaking down to $1.90/week feels more accessible than monthly/yearly rates.
This screen turns what could be a dry pricing page into a compelling argument for the app's value.
It's not just listing features - it's selling a lifestyle upgrade that seems both affordable and essential.
That's all for now
Thanks for reading the newsletter.
I hope this helps you make better design decisions.
If you liked this, please reply. It helps me know you're reading.
Balint 🫶
P.S. Before you go, here are 3 ways we can connect.
1. Need a design partner? - At Balint Studio, we're designing complex things simple, whether it’s a web or mobile app, tailored for startups and software companies.
1. Check out my eBook - “The Psychology Behind Design” a simple guide that'll show you how design really works. It's packed with cool ideas that are easy to understand.
3. Show Off Your Work: Got something cool? It could be featured in this newsletter.
Brilliant!