11 weeks of iteration.

And the data team was killing it.

We’d just built the startup’s first AI model.

Everything was going right.

Tight process.
Deep insights.
Solid model performance.

……….

When I presented to the executive team,

I talked about model performance and customer impact.

Then I added… “By the way, this model uses Deep Learning.”

I was trying to sound impressive.

In reality, I was perpetuating a myth.

……….

The myth is that “more advanced” equals “more value.”

“Our model doesn’t just use machine learning — it uses deep learning.”

That’s obviously better. Right?

Wrong.

Our job is to “delight users in hard-to-copy, margin-enhancing ways.”

I love how Gibson Biddle describes the job of product teams.

……….

Using advanced techniques like Deep Learning MAY help us ‘delight users’ and make the product ‘harder to copy’.

But if a simpler technique works just fine, then we’re just hurting our margins.

We’re spending precious R&D budget on cachet, not customer value.

So, ignore the terms.

Keep it simple. Solve the problem. Serve the customer.

That’s what matters.

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