"Por encima de todo, los productos se difunden cuando son útiles y utilizables."

The essence of this quote is straightforward: for any product to really take off, it has to be both practical and easy to use. We’re talking about the kind of stuff that doesn’t just end up collecting dust on a shelf or get deleted from your phone a week after you downloaded it. If something solves a real problem in a way that makes sense to people, it's going to catch on.

Historically, this idea has been around forever, even if we didn't always phrase it this way. Think back to the invention of the lightbulb. Thomas Edison didn't just create a light source; he made sure it was something people could actually use in their homes. Before that, there were other light sources, but they weren't as practical or safe. Edison’s version was both useful—it lit up the dark—and usable—it was reliable and could be installed in homes. That’s why it spread like wildfire.

Imagine a modern-day example. Take the smartphone. Back in the day, we had these clunky cell phones that were basically just for making calls. Then, along came the iPhone. It wasn’t the first smartphone out there, but it was the first one that was really usable. It was sleek, intuitive, and packed with features that people found genuinely useful. Before long, everyone had one, and the way we communicate and access information changed forever.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Well, if you’re working on a product—whether it’s an app, a gadget, or even a service—focus on two things. First, make sure it actually solves a problem or fulfills a need. This is the 'useful' part. Second, design it so that it’s easy to understand and use. No one wants to fight with complicated instructions or a confusing interface. You’ve got to think about the user experience from start to finish.

Let's say you’re developing a new app to help people manage their tasks better. You’ve identified that people struggle with staying organized and remembering deadlines. That’s the problem you’re solving. Now, for the usability part, you need to ensure that the app has a clean design, intuitive navigation, and maybe even some tutorials or tips to help users get started. It’s not just about packing in features; it’s about making sure those features are accessible and easy to use.

Here’s a story to bring it all home. Picture this: Jane, a busy mom who also runs a small business, is always juggling a million things. She downloads your task management app. It’s beautifully designed and straightforward. She can quickly input her tasks, set reminders, and see what’s on her plate for the day. Because it’s so user-friendly, she doesn’t need to spend hours figuring it out—she can dive right in. This makes her daily life more manageable, and pretty soon she’s telling all her friends about it. They download it too, because they see how much it’s helping her.

The bottom line? When you create something that’s both useful and user-friendly, you’re not just making a product—you’re solving real problems for real people. And that’s how you create something that spreads.