10 Genius Solutions To Problems That Many People Weren’t Even Aware Of

At all times, designers ought to ask themselves if their products and services are solving problems and if the people on ‘the other side’ (i.e. the customers) are going to like what they do. Great design is usually instinctively obvious to us. We know it when we see it! However, what’s not as clear is knowing when things can be significantly improved. Sometimes, we’re simply not aware that there are everyday problems to be solved, whatever we do.

Some designers embrace their creativity to the max and go the extra mile to make things better and more convenient for the people around them. Our team here at Bored Panda has gathered some of the most impressive examples of genius solutions to everyday problems to show you that we all deserve to live in a world full of quality design. We shouldn’t have to settle for less! Scroll down for a glimpse of what that looks like.

We wanted to learn more about how product designers can figure out their customers' current and future needs, so we got in touch with marketing psychology speaker Matt Johnson, Ph.D. He was kind enough to answer our questions in detail. Read on for our full interview.

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Marketing psychology speaker Johnson, who is the host of the branding and human nature blogs, explained to Bored Panda that understanding customers' real needs without relying on mere guesswork is an age-old problem with no silver bullets. At the end of the day, product designers need to embrace a holistic approach to move past assumptions.

"Firstly, direct engagement with users is crucial. Conducting surveys, interviews, and usability tests can reveal insights into customers' preferences, pain points, and behaviors. This approach allows designers to empathize with users, gaining a deeper understanding of their needs and desires," Johnson told Bored Panda via email.

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"Secondly, analyzing data from various sources can provide valuable insights. This includes user feedback, analytics, and market research. By combining qualitative and quantitative data, designers can identify patterns and trends, informing their design decisions."

He continued: "Lastly, collaboration with cross-functional teams, including marketers, engineers, and customer service representatives, can provide diverse perspectives and ensure that designs meet both customer needs and business goals." According to Johnson, these strategies will allow designers to come up with solutions that will resonate with their customers on a deeper level.

"While there's no guarantee that a product will be successful once it reaches the market, these steps can ensure that the product has the best possible chance of success," he said.

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Johnson explained to Pictolic that anticipating the future needs of customers requires a blend of foresight, creativity, and a deep understanding of human behavior. "Designers and companies can start by closely monitoring trends in technology, society, and culture. By staying abreast of emerging technologies and societal shifts, they can predict how these changes might impact customer needs," he said.

"Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation within the organization is crucial. Encouraging employees to think creatively and explore new ideas can lead to innovative solutions that anticipate future needs. This can be facilitated through brainstorming sessions, hackathons, or by dedicating resources to research and development," Johnson had some practical advice for company leaders to keep in mind.

On top of that, the marketing psychology speaker suggested opting for a customer-centric focus to keep designs relevant and impactful. "Collaborating with customers and gathering feedback in a continuous loop can provide valuable insights into evolving needs and preferences."

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Johnson noted that anticipating future needs comes down to having a proactive and adaptive mindset. "By combining strategic foresight with a willingness to experiment and iterate, designers and companies can stay ahead of the curve and deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of their customers."

This sort of approach is market-driven, where companies try to understand and anticipate the needs of their target market. However, this isn't the only methodology, Johnson said. Another approach is being a market-driving force.

"Here, the company doesn't listen to what the customer wants, but rather, it TELLS them what they should want. Brands who take this approach are often found in the luxury market (especially luxury fashion), and in highly innovative companies such as Apple (especially with the iPhone)."

For some more deep-dives into the world of marketing, feel free to read Johnson's posts about the pitfalls of audience capture and the psychology of market-driven music on his blog. "While so many industries are focused on serving the needs of their target market, there's also a significant risk of audience capture, whereby the preferences of the market shape the creators themselves—often profoundly," he told us.

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