In a recent LinkedIn post, John Cutler discusses the paradoxical trend of de-emphasizing human-centric roles during a period of significant technological advancement. Cutler highlights a concerning pattern where the very individuals tasked with ensuring technology serves human needs are being sidelined.
As John Cutler observes:
“In the middle of the largest technological transformation most of us will live through, the people whose job was to ask does this actually work for humans are the ones being let go.”
Cutler’s commentary points to a broader systemic issue within the tech industry, suggesting that the drive for speed and efficiency is overriding the critical need for user empathy and practical application testing.
The Systemic Devaluation of Human-Centric Roles
John Cutler argues that the roles focused on the human experience are increasingly viewed as obstacles rather than essential components of product development. This perspective, according to Cutler, is fundamentally flawed and detrimental to creating truly effective and adopted technologies.
He elaborates on this point, stating:
“The questions still matter — arguably more than anything else — but the system decided the questions were slowing things down.”
This assertion suggests a conflict between the perceived pace of innovation and the necessary due diligence required to ensure that innovation is humanly viable. Cutler implies that the metrics and priorities within many organizations are misaligned, favoring rapid deployment over thoughtful consideration of user impact.
Friction to be Eliminated
The core of Cutler’s critique lies in how these crucial human-focused roles are perceived and treated. He points out the negative framing of these positions within the industry’s current trajectory.
In John Cutler’s view:
“And so the roles that exist to represent the person on the other end of the product are treated as friction to be eliminated.”
This framing, Cutler suggests, is a dangerous oversimplification. By labeling these roles as ‘friction,’ organizations risk discarding the very feedback loops and user advocacy that can prevent costly failures and ensure long-term product success. The emphasis, according to Cutler, should be on integrating these perspectives, not removing them, especially during a time of profound technological change.
Cutler’s post serves as a critical reminder for leaders and product teams to re-evaluate their priorities. As technology reshapes industries, the imperative to understand and serve human needs remains paramount, and the roles dedicated to this understanding are more vital than ever.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by John Cutler on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 10, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →