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The Zen of Single-Purpose Products: When Less Becomes Everything
What is a “Zen” product? I can’t describe it well. I can’t describe Zen well either. I can say that I consider a Zen product to be something that does one job well. It may not even really do the job well, but it does it in a way that is very acceptable to the user. It does it in a way that it’s difficult to reproduce.
Here are some examples.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
There are many who would claim that Harley-Davidsons are the worst motorcycles. Others who say that they’re the best. Both are right.
The motorcycle has it’s own sound that other companies are sued over when they try to replicate. The style is distinctive, but then again, it’s often completely changed into the form of a chopper with a long rake. The rake makes the motorcycle more stable in a straight line, murderous in a curve. The instrument clusters were very simple, some models still are. You don’t need a tach, you’ll know by the feel and the sound and vibration.
All of these perceived imperfections are welcomed by the enthusiasts. There is a unique look and feel that attracts them. There is little reason to fix the experience. Let those who need them buy the imports.