Glasses are useful — but they only have value for someone who has vision problems.
It may sound like a strange way to start a conversation, but it’s a perfect example to explain a question someone recently asked me: “What’s the difference between useful and valuable?”
Useful vs. Valuable
- Utility refers to a product’s ability to perform a specific function. It’s about what it can do.
- Value is determined by the context of use. It’s about how well the product meets a real need and how much someone wants to use it.
In other words, a product can be useful but not valuable if it’s not necessary in the user’s context.
Why Does This Difference Matter in UX?
As UX professionals, we work alongside stakeholders, product managers, and developers who often fall into the trap of thinking that if they can implement a feature, they should definitely do it.
The problem is that this approach confuses utility with value.
A Simple Example:
Imagine a banking app with a feature that allows users to change the interface colors.
- Is it useful? Sure.
- Is it valuable? Probably not, especially if users didn’t request it and it doesn’t solve any problem.
How to Prioritize Value in UX
- Understand the users’ context:
- What problems are they trying to solve?
- What do they most want from the product?
- How does this affect their decisions?
- Avoid “just because we can” features:
- If a feature doesn’t address a clear need or doesn’t bring a real improvement, it probably doesn’t deserve to be implemented.
- Focus on impact:
- Ask yourself: How does this feature improve the user experience? How does it add value to the business?
Build with Purpose
A valuable product isn’t the one that does the most things, but the one that does the most relevant and useful things in the user’s context. Don’t confuse what can be done with what should be done.
Remember the glasses: useful? Yes. Valuable only when there’s a real need.
