Build something people Need, not Want

Hey! Got your point, and agree. Just for the sake of the exercise, I’ll just reverse the viewing lense. 1) Let’s say I’m living in a 3rd world country (not in a war/famine/disaster situation) . Do you think what I want to buy is _always_ what I need to buy? Wouldn’t I get frustrated that people offer me what they think I need when I’d like to get access to what I want? I’d maybe say, let them take care of themselves first ! and 2) It gets to the second point: I invite you to look for “Design for the First World: The Rest Saving the West”. It raises good questions. -- IMHO, the problem is in defining what people NEED without being condescending, and still allowing freedom of choice (and wherever it’s in developed countries or not, we still have 3rd world everywhere, isn’t it?).<p>Just my 2 cents ^^

It depends on what your motivation is. Are you trying to feed your family (or buy a fancy car), or are you trying to change the world?<p>“Only a life lived for others is a life worth while.” – Albert Einstein<p>Again, you need to qualify this. As a young developer who just graduated from college (or still attending one), you might be full of hope of changing the world and making it a better place. Your idea of "life lived for others" might be helping people who need clean water.<p>A person with a few years of experience out in the real world, or with a kid or two, "others" for you might be your wife and kids.

Couldn't agree more.<p>Living in Argentina, it´s difficult for me to find a market for an iPhone app, or to try to make money out of a web application. However, there are lots of unsolved problems here, some of which may be addressed with software. The only difference is that it´s much more harder to monetize them. However, I think the extra incentive for me comes in the form of good karma, and building myself a reputation.

I am reminded of the old adage, "Make aspirin, not vitamins."

Sometimes building what people need leads to friction. People need to eat healthy, but they opt for fast food because it satisfies their taste buds and gives them pleasure.

we all need money. now i'm all for anyone helping to solve that.

You say AirBNB isn't making a dent in the universe, but then you say people <i>need</i> shelter. I think AirBNB (and even before AirBNB, couchsurfing.org) is making a dent in the universe.