In a recent LinkedIn post, Shreyas Doshi challenges a common underlying assumption in today’s product development and consumption landscape: that everything should be designed for everyone. Doshi, a prominent product leader and advisor, argues that this mindset is not only flawed but can be detrimental to creating truly effective products and experiences.
Challenging the ‘One Size Fits All’ Mentality
The core of Doshi’s argument centers on the implicit belief that if something isn’t universally applicable, it’s a flaw that needs immediate correction. This perspective, he contends, is a trap that many fall into, both as consumers and, more critically, as creators.
“One assumption many people implicitly make in today’s world is that everything is supposed to be meant for everyone. And if that isn’t the case, that’s a bug that must be fixed.”
According to Doshi, this assumption, while perhaps well-intentioned, often leads to diluted experiences that fail to resonate deeply with any particular user group. By trying to cater to an imagined universal audience, products can end up being mediocre for all, rather than exceptional for a specific set of users.
The Producer’s Perspective: A Profound Shift
Doshi emphasizes that while recognizing that not everything is for everyone can be helpful for consumers, its implications are far more profound for those who produce or create things. Understanding this principle allows creators to make more strategic decisions about their target audience, features, and overall product vision.
Embracing Specificity in Creation
As Shreyas Doshi points out, discarding the assumption of universal appeal frees creators to focus on specificity. This means identifying a particular user segment, understanding their unique needs, pain points, and desires, and then building a solution tailored precisely for them. This targeted approach, Doshi suggests, is far more likely to lead to genuine success and impact.
“But you must discard this assumption.”
He further elaborates on the practical benefits of this shift in perspective. When creators embrace the idea that their product might not be for everyone, they can stop wasting resources trying to appease a non-existent universal user. Instead, they can invest that energy into perfecting the experience for their core audience, leading to greater user satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, a stronger market position.
The Implications for Innovation
Doshi’s insights have significant implications for how we approach innovation. The pursuit of a product that appeals to everyone can stifle creativity and lead to incremental, safe designs. Conversely, acknowledging that a product is intended for a specific niche can encourage bolder, more innovative solutions that truly stand out.
“This advice is useful if you’re consuming said thing, but profound if you’re producing said thing.”
In essence, Shreyas Doshi’s message serves as a critical reminder for entrepreneurs, product managers, designers, and marketers. By letting go of the myth of universal appeal, creators can unlock the potential for building more meaningful, impactful, and successful products and services. The focus shifts from broad, shallow appeal to deep, resonant engagement with a well-defined audience.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Shreyas Doshi on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →