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Not about the product

2026, April 29

I was pretty early in my career when I realized something important:

Often, what looks like a disagreement about the product is really a difference about what each person is optimizing for.

Often, what looks like a disagreement about the product is really a difference about what each person is optimizing for.

Often, what looks like a disagreement about the product is really a difference about what each person is optimizing for.

We were assigning fabrics across our denim collection when merchandising and I disagreed about one of our core styles. I wanted rigid denim because it preserved the silhouette. Merchandising preferred stretch because our customer consistently prioritized comfort.

At the time, I thought they didn’t understand design. I thought they didn’t get fashion.

It wasn't until later that I realized I was optimizing for the silhouette, while merchandising was optimizing for the customer.

It wasn't until later that I realized I was optimizing for the silhouette, while merchandising was optimizing for the customer.

It wasn't until later that I realized I was optimizing for the silhouette, while merchandising was optimizing for the customer.

The following season, I designed a baggy straight fit where rigid denim became an advantage. It ended up becoming one of our best-selling products.

That experience changed how I evaluate product decisions. Every decision is a tradeoff, so I first ask what we’re optimizing for. The answer shapes the solution.

That experience changed how I evaluate product decisions. Every decision is a tradeoff, so I first ask what we’re optimizing for. The answer shapes the solution.

That experience changed how I evaluate product decisions. Every decision is a tradeoff, so I first ask what we’re optimizing for. The answer shapes the solution.

Protecting the product

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Jo Lee

Product Design

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Jo Lee

Product Design

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LinkedIn

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About

Let's talk

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Jo Lee

Product Design