# Understanding the Enshittification of Products
In the dynamic world of product management, the term “enshittification” is gaining notoriety. Coined by tech writer Cory Doctorow, enshittification refers to the slow decline of once-great products and platforms as they become more user-hostile, often in pursuit of profit or scale. This pattern is painfully common, especially in SaaS and digital product landscapes.
But why does it happen?
As companies grow, competing priorities—profit, scale, efficiency—sometimes overshadow core user needs. Features get deprioritized, feedback is ignored, and minor annoyances accumulate until users feel alienated. Product managers play a critical role in interrupting this cycle by keeping customer value at the forefront.
Read more about this trend on Wired (opens new window).
# How Product Managers Can Fight Back
# 1. Prioritize User Feedback
To combat enshittification, actively collect and act on customer feedback. Solutions like Sleekplan (opens new window) empower product teams to gather, manage, and prioritize feedback seamlessly. By inviting direct user participation—through feature voting (opens new window) and feedback boards—you stay aligned with what actually matters to your audience.
Consider feedback loops (opens new window) as your shield. The more you engage with your user base, the quicker you’ll spot declining satisfaction and course-correct before core features deteriorate.
# 2. Foster Transparency & Communication
Keep your user base informed on product direction. Tools like Sleekplan enable you to share planned updates, progress, and rationales for prioritization (see roadmap examples (opens new window)). Regular, transparent communication builds trust—and trust is an antidote to enshittification.
External reading: Harvard Business Review on customer-centric strategy (opens new window).
# 3. Prioritize Features That Matter
Not all requests carry equal weight. Use structured feature voting to ensure the loudest voice isn’t always the only one you hear. Tools designed for feature prioritization (opens new window) help you balance high-impact feature development with long-term company strategy. Letting users participate in ranking the importance of new features keeps your development on track.
# Conclusion: Continuous Improvement Wins
Product managers are the frontline defense against enshittification. By collecting feedback, communicating transparently, and prioritizing what matters, you can ensure sustained growth while protecting product integrity. Use dedicated feedback tools like Sleekplan to keep your product relevant, valuable, and beloved by your users—before it’s too late.
Remember, a product that listens and adapts is a product that thrives.