It’s amazing because I ended up with the same conclusion for Web Application Design and the day is well chosen.

The trend to day is to build an application just sufficient to raise interest and cause a first group of potential users to show interest. What we call minimal viable product. The edge of the trend is that this proto-prototype should concentrate on design first (design in the esthetical dimension) to be a minimal loveable product. For me it sounds silly because you place most of the effort upfront on something which is not so related to the app itself. As if to sell cakes you start by designing the box around the cake.

There is a reason behind that. Most people are careful of the way you deliver your product before everything else. If it’s crappy and show lack of deference for their attention they just don’t go further. They prefer to wait until someone come out with the same idea but a better care for their taste.

There is a second reason. Showing you care about your future users show you placed attention on the experience as well as the functionality. It shows you put thinking and empathy for them.

It’s not wrong. If you show love for your future customers it’s likely you have the best motivation to serves them the best.