Your Customers Don’t Care How You Made It

One Critical Mistake Every Producer Make

Levelsio, a well-known figure in the Indie hacker community, recently made waves by using AI tools like Cursor to a Flight simulator game. His innovative approach inspired someone to create a directory showcasing games made with AI tools, highlighting the growing role of AI in game development.

But here’s what stood out: when people browsed the AI game directory, serious gamers didn’t flock to it because the games were made with AI. They were looking for quality—immersive gameplay, stunning graphics, and a seamless experience. This sparked a bigger idea: consumers don’t care about the process behind a product. They care about what they get out of it.

This isn’t just a gaming quirk—it’s a universal truth. Whether it’s a car rolling off the assembly line, an app on your phone, or a cup of coffee in your hand, people focus on the experience, not the production story. In this article, we’ll break down this principle, explore it through examples, and show you, as a producer, how to use it to your advantage.

Consumers Care About Outcomes, Not Methods

Consumer psychology boils down to one key insight: people judge products by what they deliver. Does it work? Does it feel good? Does it solve a problem or make life better? The nuts and bolts of how it’s made—whether it’s high-tech wizardry or old-school craftsmanship—barely register. Unless the production process changes the final experience, it’s noise to the consumer.

Think about it. When you buy a phone, do you care about the factory robots that assembled it? No—you care about the camera quality, the battery life, the sleek design. The process only matters to the producer, not the person swiping the screen.

For producers, this is a wake-up call. Your focus shouldn’t be on flaunting your methods—it should be on perfecting the outcome. Tools and techniques are your business, sure, but they’re not what convinces someone to buy. Consumers aren’t paying for your workflow; they’re paying for the result.

Examples That Prove the Point

Let’s start with gaming. The AI game directory, inspired by developers like Levelsio who use tools such as Cursor, showcases games built with AI. But here’s the thing: serious gamers don’t specifically search for games made by AI. They want games that are fun, challenging, and well-designed. The AI tools might intrigue developers, but players care about what’s on the screen, not how it was coded.

Now, shift gears to cars. Picture a Tesla Model 3 next to a gas-powered BMW. Tesla fans love the instant acceleration, the long range, and the feel-good eco vibe. BMW drivers might rave about the handling or the engine roar. Neither group cares about the factory details—how the battery cells were welded or where the steel was sourced. They care about how the car drives and what it says about them. Production methods only matter if they boost the ride.

Software engineering tells the same story. Ever downloaded an app and thought, “Wow, I bet this was built with Python”? Probably not. Users want apps that load fast, look sharp, and don’t crash. Whether you coded it in React, Angular, or something obscure, they’ll never know—or care. Your tech stack is a backstage decision. It’s only relevant if it makes the app better or worse for them.

Even food fits the pattern. Take a burger from a fast-food joint versus a gourmet spot. You judge it by the taste, the juiciness, the satisfaction—not the grill’s brand or the chef’s knife skills. The kitchen magic stays in the kitchen. What hits the plate is what counts.

When Production Methods Do Matter (And Why)

Okay, there are exceptions. Sometimes, how something’s made does catch a consumer’s eye—but only when it ties back to the experience. Take fair trade coffee. People buy it because they feel good knowing it’s ethically sourced. But if it tastes bitter or weak, that ethical glow fades fast. The process sells only if it delivers a better cup.

Same goes for craftsmanship. A hand-stitched leather bag might scream quality, but if the straps snap or the dye fades, no one cares about the artisan’s story. Handmade matters when it means durability or beauty—something you can see and feel.

Even in tech, production can play a role. If a company brags about using sustainable materials in a laptop, it might sway eco-conscious buyers. But if the laptop’s slow or clunky, that green cred won’t save it. The method has to enhance the product, not just sound cool.

The takeaway? Production details only click when they improve what the consumer gets. It’s still about the endgame—the experience—not the backstory.

Implications for Producers

So, what does this mean for you if you’re making something to sell? First, zero in on what your customers actually experience. Pour your energy into the features they’ll notice—the taste, the speed, the comfort. That’s your battleground. Nail that, and you’re halfway there.

Second, use production methods strategically. AI, automation, or artisanal techniques can streamline your work or cut costs—great. But don’t kid yourself into thinking consumers will applaud your ingenuity. They won’t notice unless it makes their lives better. Choose tools that boost the product, not your ego.

Third, market smarter. If your process gives you an edge—like organic ingredients that make the food tastier—shout about the benefit, not just the method. “Fresher flavor from farm to table” beats “We use sustainable farming” every time. Connect the dots for them: how does your approach make their experience awesome?

This mindset flips the script. Instead of obsessing over how you stand out as a producer, focus on how your product stands out to the user. That’s where the win lives.

Conclusion

Here’s the bottom line: consumers don’t care about your production process—they care about what they hold, use, or enjoy. The AI game directory, a Tesla’s hum, an app’s slick interface—it’s the final experience that hooks people. From gaming to burgers, the principle holds true.

Your job as a producer? Make that experience exceptional. Prioritize what your customers see, touch, and feel. Let your production methods—whether high-tech or hands-on—work behind the scenes to support that goal. Don’t get lost in the how; shine with the what.

So here’s your call to action: Start today. Look at your product through your customer’s eyes. What do they love about it? What could be better? Double down on that. Use your tools and techniques to build something they can’t resist, then let the results do the talking.

Align your efforts with what really matters to your audience—the experience—and you’ll create products that don’t just sell but dominate. Build for them, not for your process, and watch your work take off.