Customers Quote by W. Edwards Deming
“Does the customer invent new product or service? The customer generates nothing. No customer asked for electric lights. There was gas and gas mantles, which gave good light.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Out of the Crisis, W. Edwards Deming, 1982
Customers rarely demand innovations; companies must anticipate needs and create solutions.
In simple terms: Customers don’t ask for new products.
Key Takeaway
Innovate by anticipating needs.
Themes
innovation
customer focus
market research
Mood
analytical
strategic
Type
business
strategic
When to use this quote
- product development
- strategic planning
- R&D
- marketing strategy
Key Concepts
diffusion of innovation
needs assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify unmet needs before customers articulate them?
- What signals indicate a market gap?
A Different Perspective
Assuming customers will always know what they need can miss opportunities.
