How Social Biases Trick You into Shipping The Wrong Product

In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa delve into the critical topic of cognitive and social biases that can significantly impact product development in the tech industry.

They explore how these biases often lead founders to make decisions based on peer influence rather than genuine customer needs, highlighting cautionary tales like Quibi.

The discussion covers various biases, including the bandwagon effect, authority bias, and the halo effect, and how they can distort perceptions of user feedback. Simon and Anastasija also share practical strategies to overcome these biases, ensuring that tech leaders can create products that truly resonate with their target audiences. Tune in for valuable insights that could reshape your approach to product development!

Simon highlights the cautionary tale of Quibi, illustrating how the founders prioritised social proof over actual customer needs, leading to their eventual failure despite significant investment.
Anastasija shares a fascinating experiment by Dr. Todd Ross, demonstrating how participants unconsciously adjusted their ratings of attractiveness based on group feedback, showcasing the power of social influence.

Simon and Anastasija discuss the importance of diverse user panels, emphasising that recruiting users from different backgrounds can help uncover hidden biases and ensure that product development is informed by a broader range of perspectives.

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Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth.
We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission.

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