Ever been navigating a website or app and found yourself wondering, “Why doesn’t this just have a simple filter or sorting option?” You’re not alone.
Take the popular professional networking site rhyming with ‘SyncedIn’—it only allows filtering after an initial search. Annoying, right? This isn’t merely an oversight; it’s a deliberate strategy designed to keep users clicking, searching, and ultimately staying longer on the site. Hello, ad revenue!
I’m a UX/UI Researcher and Visual Product Designer, and at Discover, I work closely with CraftWorx—a specialized repository that focuses on reliability, scalability, risk management, and, crucially, user experience. I’m here to demystify a common query: Why don’t some apps immediately implement features that could drastically enhance user experiences?
You aren’t imagining things—it’s intentional, and there are several nuanced reasons why apps don’t include certain “no-brainer” features.
Navigating the Maze of UX Choices
It’s not just the missing features; it’s also about how companies structure navigation, forcing us to encounter more ads and sponsored content along the way. This isn’t about villainizing companies; after all, they need to monetize. But understanding these UX choices helps us navigate smarter and encourages dialogue on balancing user convenience and company profitability.
Hidden Behind the Paywall
Many essential or highly desired features are deliberately restricted to paid users. Platforms like LinkedIn reserve valuable networking features for premium subscribers, leveraging these gated functionalities to drive revenue. Similarly, YouTube buries ad control features within premium subscriptions, swapping ad revenue for direct payments from users willing to pay for convenience.
Resource Constraints: The Waiting Game
Companies like Adobe or Figma often face significant challenges when rolling out features due to resource constraints or bureaucratic processes. Large organizations, in particular, experience slowdowns due to layers of approvals and quality checks. Meanwhile, smaller firms may lack the engineering or UX resources necessary to quickly deploy new features. The good news? Many companies openly maintain backlogs showcasing upcoming features, giving users a glimpse into the exciting new functionalities in the pipeline.
Strategic Releases and Market Disruption
Sometimes, features are intentionally withheld until a product can deliver a fully comprehensive solution. This tactic can significantly disrupt existing market leaders. For example, Sketch initially shook Adobe Illustrator’s dominance by offering prototyping capabilities Illustrator lacked. When Adobe finally responded with XD, Figma emerged with an even stronger feature set, quickly capturing market dominance. Such strategic timing and releases often reshape entire industries.
Partnerships and Strategic Alliances
Another strategic reason for missing features is to avoid cannibalizing products from partner companies. Microsoft’s alliance with OpenAI is a perfect example; instead of duplicating efforts, they strategically partner to leverage existing strengths, focusing their resources more effectively. Transparency in such partnerships is vital, especially when users’ product experiences could be impacted.
Security and Compliance Challenges
Security and compliance considerations also profoundly impact feature implementation. Adding certain features can increase vulnerability, making apps susceptible to cyber threats. Companies must carefully evaluate whether new functionalities might compromise overall security, often opting for add-ons or leaving out features entirely to maintain a secure core product.
“We Never Thought of That!”
Sometimes, the simplest reason is also the most overlooked: companies genuinely haven’t considered certain features. They rely on user feedback for innovation, making user input crucial. Companies frequently invite feedback through dedicated website sections, beta testing, and user interviews. Engaging with these opportunities allows users to influence future developments actively.
Embracing the Journey—Ads and All
Yes, it’s frustrating to navigate seemingly unnecessary complexity or endure intrusive ads. However, these experiences often subsidize the valuable digital tools we rely on daily. Whether it’s tolerating ads or investing in premium subscriptions, each interaction supports ongoing improvements and innovation.
Ultimately, the missing features we encounter in apps are the result of complex decisions influenced by revenue strategies, resource limitations, competitive dynamics, and security considerations. Understanding this complexity helps us approach digital experiences with patience and appreciation.
Now, over to you: How would you strategically handle feature releases in your app?