This is a great insight, thank you!

I *try* to make my software initially intuitive and gradually discoverable. I think a gentle learning curve is better than a completely flat one.

I thought quite a bit recently about the problem that you are talking about (diminishing end user value in software). I think the source is that we have a lot of devs and designers whose only experience is designing for maximized conversion rate or maximized engagement. As opposed to professional software.

They have no habit of designing for value.

And *that’s the culture*. Go to any awwwards gallery - all of the websites or webapps mentioned there are essentially ads with minimal content.

Which isn’t too bad, since it leaves a market untapped through the collective arrogance of the incumbents...