Users are frustrated by current AI apps requiring explicit definition of criteria, goals, parameters, and edge cases for every use. They desire a more capable, autonomous AI agent that 'knows it all and does it all' rather than single-use, chore-like AI, reducing the need for constant explicit instruction.
New data: Customers don't care about your "AI-powered" feature. This comes from a survey of 767 software users by Kristen Berman and the team at Irrational Labs. You'll want to dive into the full results in today's Growth Unhinged: https://lnkd.in/e7eCUv5b What the study found: 1. Rather than enhancing perceptions, the term “generative AI” significantly lowered expectations of a product’s potential impact. This might reflect skepticism from tools that overpromise and under-deliver, such as unreliable chatbots or lackluster generative content. 2. Labeling a product as AI-driven did little to justify a higher price. Customers were unwilling to pay more unless the tool demonstrated clear, compelling benefits. (Superhuman was the only exception.) 3. The impact on trust was largely neutral. For most brands, explicitly mentioning AI didn’t increase customer confidence in the tool’s reliability. What to do instead: - Lead with benefits, not AI-jargon. Canva says its "Magic Design" feature helps users effortlessly make beautiful designs -- not that it's a tool for "AI-powered productivity". - Make claims tangible. GitHub Copilot highlights that "developers are coding up to 55% faster." - Take a page from behavioral science with the Endowment Effect (think: reverse trial of AI features). - When you must use “AI,” be thoughtful. Pair it with a clear use case or branding that connects to user needs. Can't wait to hear what y'all think about this data. #ai #messaging #startup