Config 2024: Leaving fingerprints: product, design, and stories at The Browser Company (Karla, Nash)

Summary

In this inspiring talk, Carla and Nash from the Browser Company of New York introduce Arc, a revolutionary browser designed to challenge the status quo of internet usage. They emphasize the importance of 'leaving fingerprints' by infusing personal experiences and creativity into product design. Through storytelling, they advocate for authenticity and vulnerability in brand building, urging others to consider the impact of humanizing their work. The talk encourages embracing individuality and innovation in technology to create products that resonate on a personal level.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Browser Company of New York is developing a new browser called Arc, aiming to innovate in a space that hasn't seen much change in the past 20 years.
• 🖌️ The concept of 'leaving fingerprints' is central to their approach, emphasizing the importance of personal touch and individual contribution in product development.
• 🏙️ The company draws inspiration from diverse sources, including art, neighborhoods, and everyday objects, to infuse their product with a sense of humanity and authenticity.
• 🌺 The branding for their AI suite of features, Arc Max, was inspired by the idea of growth and achievement, symbolized by flowers, to convey a more human and less mechanical feel.
• 👀 They believe in looking outside of technology for inspiration, suggesting that innovation can come from unexpected places and should not be confined to industry norms.
• 💳 A personalized membership card was introduced as part of the onboarding process for Arc, designed to make users feel seen and valued, reflecting a thoughtful attention to detail.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The design of the membership card was inspired by the founder's personal experiences, such as his father's use of punch cards in the 70s, demonstrating how personal history can influence product design.
• 🎨 The company encourages starting with people and incorporating personal experiences into product development, as it can lead to more meaningful connections with users.
• 📖 They emphasize the importance of storytelling in branding, suggesting that the most impactful stories are often the ones that are most authentic and vulnerable.
• 🏗️ The company's approach to storytelling involves sharing the challenges and vulnerabilities they face, rather than only highlighting successes, to build trust and relatability with their audience.

Q & A

What is the name of the browser being developed by the Browser Company of New York?

The browser being developed by the Browser Company of New York is called Arc.

What is the primary focus of the talk given by Carla and Nash?

The primary focus of the talk is about the concept of 'leaving fingerprints' in the product design process, specifically in the context of building the Arc browser.

What does the term 'leaving fingerprints' refer to in the context of product design?

In the context of product design, 'leaving fingerprints' refers to imbuing a product with personal touches, creativity, and a sense of care that reflects the designers' and creators' individuality and humanity.

Why did the speaker choose to share the story of Dizzy Gillespie and the mural in Harlem?

The speaker shared the story of Dizzy Gillespie and the mural to illustrate the impact of leaving a personal mark or 'fingerprint' on a community, which parallels the impact they aim to achieve with their product design.

What is the significance of the personalized membership card in the onboarding process of Arc?

The personalized membership card is significant as it makes users feel seen and part of a journey, setting Arc apart as different and worth learning about, and it also serves as a tangible reminder of the user's start with Arc.

What inspired the design of the Arc membership card?

The design of the Arc membership card was inspired by the Punch Cards used in the 70s for programming, as well as the speaker's personal experiences and the desire to give people something special with Arc.

Why is looking outside of technology important for the Browser Company's product development?

Looking outside of technology is important for the Browser Company because it allows them to draw inspiration from diverse sources, push boundaries, and build something new and different in the industry.

What is the connection between the painting created by Carla's daughter and the branding for Arc's AI Suite of features?

The painting, which represents creativity and personal expression, inspired the branding for Arc's AI Suite of features, aiming to make AI feel more human and less like a sterile, technology-driven feature.

What is the significance of telling the story that scares you the most in the context of the Browser Company's approach to storytelling?

Telling the story that scares you the most is significant because it encourages authenticity, vulnerability, and a focus on what is true to the company at that moment, which can resonate more deeply with the audience.

How did the Browser Company address a technical issue that caused a temporary halt in their growth?

The Browser Company addressed the technical issue by being transparent with their members about the problem, showing vulnerability, and involving the community in their journey to overcome the challenge.

What is the message the speakers hope to convey to others in the room about product design?

The speakers hope to convey the message that there is value in creating products that feel lived in, cared for, and considerate by allowing room for individuality and personal touches, and that this approach can lead to more meaningful and impactful products.