We went all-in on Enchant [0] with a set of screen mockups and potential users telling us that it was exactly what they needed.
That didn't work out so well.
It wasn't what they needed.
They didn't buy the product.
But we kept talking to those users and understanding what they thought they were getting and the problems they were hoping to solve. Those conversations gave us a better idea of what would work and helped build a realistic roadmap.
Executing on that roadmap has worked for us. We continue to evolve that roadmap based on customer demand - When somebody asks for something that's on our roadmap, we count their vote.. and generally prioritize work in order of demand.
So ya, talk to your users... it's not about what they ask you build, but what problems they're trying to solve.
That didn't work out so well.
It wasn't what they needed.
They didn't buy the product.
But we kept talking to those users and understanding what they thought they were getting and the problems they were hoping to solve. Those conversations gave us a better idea of what would work and helped build a realistic roadmap.
Executing on that roadmap has worked for us. We continue to evolve that roadmap based on customer demand - When somebody asks for something that's on our roadmap, we count their vote.. and generally prioritize work in order of demand.
So ya, talk to your users... it's not about what they ask you build, but what problems they're trying to solve.
0: https://www.enchant.com - shared inboxes, knowledge bases, live chat.