45. Every Product is Waste

If we agree that everything that is not value is waste, then every element that contributes value is also waste in itself. This is because it’s a means to an end, not the end itself. The focus should be on the value (the end) obtained, not on the element providing it (the means).

This concept is similar to Levitt’s famous quote:

“People don’t want a quarter-inch drill. They want quarter-inch holes.”

Users don’t want your product; they want the value it brings to them.

It’s difficult to accept, and biases only reinforce this resistance.

In this regard, everything we add to a product is essentially waste. It’s like adding extra kilograms to an airplane that needs to be lightweight for efficient flying.

That’s the paradox.

Viewing it this way, finding the balance between cost and benefit answers the question: What is the minimum viable product that can be created to deliver the value we seek to provide?