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Why Some Software Feels Like Magic (And How to Build It)

March 18, 2025

Preface

Most software is just… okay. It works, but it doesn't feel special. The best products? People don't just use them - they love them.

They become part of their daily life, almost like a superpower…. something so good that people couldn't stop using it.

Here's how I'd build it:

1. Make It Feel Like Magic (Indistinguishable From a Superpower)

  • The software should solve a painful problem effortlessly. People should think, "How did I live without this?"
  • It should feel like mind-reading - anticipating needs before the user even realizes them.
  • It should be 10x better than the current alternative, to the point where going back is unthinkable.

Example: Apple's iPhone replaced flip phones not just by being better, but by making old phones feel archaic.

2. Build an Emotional Connection (It Should Have a Soul)

  • People fall in love with things that speak their language, reflect their values, and feel human.
  • Create a distinctive personality - whether through tone, branding, or user experience.
  • Gamify interactions to make users feel rewarded, appreciated, and understood.
  • Make it fun, even if it's a "serious" tool.

Example: Duolingo's playful and borderline threatening owl keeps people engaged.

3. Embed It into Daily Routines (Become Unavoidable)

  • The best software becomes part of someone's habit loop - cue, action, reward.
  • Automate re-engagement: daily notifications, personalized suggestions, streaks, or integration with daily workflows.
  • Seamless across devices, so it's available wherever they are, whenever they need it.

Example: Slack embeds into work, making it the default communication layer.

4. Give It a Network Effect (The More People, The Better It Gets)

  • Build a product where users invite others naturally because the experience improves with more people.
  • Social validation: FOMO, exclusivity, viral growth loops.
  • Incentives to bring in others (referral rewards, shared collaboration).

Example: WhatsApp - people joined because their friends were already there.

5. Remove Every Friction Point (Make It Frictionless & Instant)

  • Zero onboarding pain: Get value in <30 seconds.
  • No unnecessary choices or complexity - just clarity and flow.
  • Speed is everything. Response times, actions, and AI-driven shortcuts should feel instant.

Example: Google Search - fast, relevant, invisible UI.

6. Make It Viscerally Pleasing (Aesthetic & Smooth UX)

  • People love beautiful things - design that sparks joy increases engagement.
  • Animations, transitions, and micro-interactions should feel buttery smooth.
  • Aesthetic consistency - color, typography, layout should evoke emotions.

Example: Apple's interfaces are not just functional but delightful.

7. Keep Innovating (Stay Ahead of the Curve)

  • The moment a product stagnates, it dies. People want continuous evolution.
  • AI should learn user behavior and personalize experiences over time.
  • Roll out surprising, delightful features that feel like gifts.

Example: Spotify's Wrapped - people anticipate it every year.

8. Monetization Feels Like a No-Brainer (People Will Happily Pay)

  • No intrusive ads or aggressive upsells. Align incentives with users.
  • Make users feel like paying is a privilege, not an obligation.
  • Pricing should be psychologically compelling - freemium with clear value upgrade.

Example: ChatGPT Plus - users don't feel forced but gladly pay for better speed and access.

9. Build a Cult, Not Just a Customer Base

  • People should feel they belong to something bigger.
  • Community: Exclusive groups, events, or content to create social identity around the product.
  • Brand identity that is relatable, aspirational, and highly shareable.

Example: Notion isn't just software; it has die-hard evangelists.

10. If All Else Fails, Inject Some Dopamine

  • Streaks, progress bars, limited-time offers, surprise rewards.
  • AI-driven personalization so users feel like it was made just for them.
  • Scarcity: Exclusive invites, premium features unlocked with milestones.

Example: TikTok's algorithm hooks people immediately by showing exactly what they love.

Conclusion

Superpower Utility + Emotional Connection + Daily Rituals + Viral Loops + Aesthetic Delight + Gamification + Continuous Innovation =

A software people fall in love with and can't stop using.