The quote from Steve Jobs, noted in Walter Isaacson's biography, highlights the limitations of traditional market research. It emphasizes that customers often express their desires based on existing technologies, which can restrict innovation. Rather than simply improving current products, true innovation requires vision and understanding of potential advancements beyond customer expectations.
This insight underscores the importance of visionary leadership in product development. Instead of relying solely on customer feedback, innovators should anticipate future needs and create solutions that customers may not even realize they want yet. This approach drives progress and leads to groundbreaking products that redefine industries.