GoKawiilEssay Argues 'Taste' Is Becoming Tech's Key Differentiator
A new essay on product design argues that as software commoditizes thanks to AI, functional quality alone no longer separates products. Instead, the piece claims brand, design and overall user experience—what the author calls 'taste'—are what now distinguish successful products, citing commentary from Anu Atluru and Steve Jobs on exposure to great work as a way to develop this instinct.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The argument reflects a broader industry conversation about how AI tools are lowering the barrier to building functional software, which could push companies to compete more on design sensibility and brand than on raw capability. If this view gains traction, it suggests design leadership and curated taste could become a more valued skill set in product teams than technical execution alone.
- The essay claims AI has made basic functionality a commodity, reducing its value as a differentiator.
- It defines 'taste' as a trainable instinct, not fixed personal preference.
- It recommends studying admired work and analyzing why it succeeds, rather than relying on gut feeling.
Kindle Paperwhite E-reader — If developing taste means immersing yourself in great work, a dedicated e-reader makes it effortless to build a steady habit of reading great books and design writing. Its distraction-free screen keeps you focused on absorbing craft rather than scrolling, which is exactly the kind of deliberate exposure the article champions.
See Kindle Paperwhite E-reader on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: emilkowal.ski, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “Developing Taste”
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