Start at the End: How to Build Products That Create Change

Start at the End: How to Build Products That Create Change cover
Good Books rating 4.42
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Technical
  • ID: 7103
  • Added: 2025-12-10
  • Updated: 2025-12-10
  • ISBN: 9780525534433
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2019-06-11
  • Reviews: 3

Start at the End offers a fresh perspective on product design, emphasizing behavioral science to create meaningful change. Author Matt Wallaert, a behavioral psychologist and tech executive, argues that the key to effective design is understanding what people want to do and why they aren't already doing it. By starting with outcomes rather than processes, companies can build products that truly matter, bridging the gap between intention and action./n/nWallaert's approach is grounded in real-world examples, from the success of Uber's ridesharing service to the popularity of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. He provides a roadmap for designing products that not only drive engagement but also improve people's lives. This book is an essential guide for anyone looking to create impactful products and services that change behavior for the better.

Reviews
Threadline Branding · 2024-08-07
insightful 4.50

The book offers a clear, ethical, and systematic process for designing effective products and empowering organizations to enact genuine change. It is praised for its practical approach to behavioral science.

This book is a treasure trove for anyone interested in product design and behavioral science. The reviewer highlights the book's clear, ethical, and systematic process, which not only guides designers to create more effective products but also empowers organizations to enact genuine change. The practical approach is reminiscent of other influential works in the field, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and product managers. The reviewer appreciates the book's focus on starting with the end goal in mind, which is a refreshing perspective in the world of product development.


Quick quotes

    His clear, ethical, and systematic process not only guides designers to create more effective products but also empowers organizations to enact genuine change.

    The book emphasizes starting with the end goal in mind (the desired behavior change) and working backwards to design effective interventions.

    Start at the End should be a bedside reading for every entrepreneur or product manager looking to shape a product that reshapes its users behaviour.

Dualoop · 2024-08-07
practical 4.75

The book is highly recommended for entrepreneurs and product managers seeking to shape products that influence user behavior. It is praised for its practical and actionable insights.

This review from Dualoop is a glowing endorsement of the book's practical and actionable insights. The reviewer suggests that the book should be a bedside reading for every entrepreneur or product manager looking to shape a product that reshapes its users' behavior. The emphasis on designing products through behavioral science, starting from the behavior you want to change rather than the features you want to build, is particularly noted. The reviewer appreciates the book's unique perspective and its potential to drive significant change in the product development landscape.


Quick quotes

    Start at the End should be a bedside reading for every entrepreneur or product manager looking to shape a product that reshapes its users behaviour.

    Designing products through behavioural science, starting from the behaviour you want to change rather than the features you want to build.

    Nudge meets Hooked in a practical approach to designing products and services that change behavior, from what we buy to how we work.

Goodreads · 2019-06-11
practical 4.00

The book is praised for its practical approach to designing products and services that change behavior. It is noted for its similarity to other influential works in the field.

This Goodreads review highlights the book's practical approach to designing products and services that change behavior. The reviewer notes that the book is reminiscent of other influential works in the field, such as Nudge and Hooked. The emphasis on starting with the end goal in mind and working backwards to design effective interventions is particularly appreciated. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in product design and behavioral science, offering actionable insights and a clear, systematic process for creating effective products.


Quick quotes

    Nudge meets Hooked in a practical approach to designing products and services that change behaviour.

    The book emphasizes starting with the end goal in mind (the desired behavior change) and working backwards to design effective interventions.

    Good book for anyone who wants to conscientiously run experiments and make changes to your product through changing consumer behavior.