Hi all, welcome to the second edition of Makers & Breakers!
It’s been a busy week for me—in a good way—and when I found a bit of time, my thoughts kept circling back to the topics we’re diving into today. These are themes that really grabbed my attention and made me reflect on where things are heading in the tech world.
From the unbundling of horizontal SaaS companies into specialised verticals to the constant balancing act between speed and craftsmanship in product development, and finally, the exciting shifts in UX as AI steps up to play a bigger role—I’m excited to share these with you.
I hope this week’s articles give you something to chew on and spark some new ideas.
Grab your coffee or tea, and get into it!
The Verticalization of Everything
By Pete Flint
It feels like we’re at the start of a major shift—unbundling is underway, and we’re beginning to see the first disruptors dive headfirst into verticalisation. Startups that focus on data and deep industry insights are leading this process, honing in on specific AI-powered verticals SaaS where they can provide truly customised solutions.
One key aspect of this disruption is UX. Together with data and industry insights, it forms the backbone of success in vertical AI. Startups that get all three right—data, insights, and UX—are well-placed to dominate their verticals. Meanwhile, many of the bigger, established players are still falling short on delivering a solid user experience, which could end up being their downfall.
“The endpoint of this shift is what we call ‘the verticalization of everything:’ AI-empowered vertical companies are going to unbundle and dominate compared to horizontal SaaS.”
The AI Paradigm Shift in UX: From Tools to Partners
By Jakob Nielsen, NNGroup
After reading the NFX Verticalization article, I felt the need to dig into something from my library that focused on the UI/UX side of things. This piece explores how AI is reshaping UX and what that means for the future of user interfaces.
What strikes me is that, after a couple of decades, we’re finally at a point where we can genuinely innovate again. We no longer have to follow the same old paths and pretend it’s the best possible user experience. With AI becoming more dominant, it’s time to rethink what great UX should look like in this new era.
While I’m excited about the potential, I remain sceptical of the current wave of chat interfaces. They still leave users with the “blank piece of paper” problem, which hasn’t been fully addressed. However, I’m intrigued to see how AI agents will shape the next generation of ERPs and CRMs, where the UI could almost disappear and the experience is driven by intelligent agents/AI-powered working in the background.
These are exciting times, and I’m eager to see how we can break away from the status quo.
“Current AI tools have deep-rooted usability problems… better usability should be a significant competitive advantage.”
Making the Tradeoff Between Speed and Craftsmanship
By Amivora
Balancing speed and craftsmanship is one of those age-old challenges in product development. This article delves into how finding the right trade-off can make all the difference between shipping quickly and shipping well. It’s clear there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—context is key.
What’s important is that shipping fast isn’t just about meeting deadlines; it’s about getting crucial feedback early. On the other hand, taking the time to refine craftsmanship can be the make-or-break factor for a product’s long-term success. It’s a constant balancing act.
For those who’ve worked with me, you’ll know my mantra: the Mona Lisa approach. It’s about iterating and shipping fast—pre-alpha, alpha, beta, public—as early as possible. This way, we learn quickly, make changes while it’s still cost-effective, and ultimately deliver exceptional products. It’s not about getting it perfect from day one; it’s about constant improvement through fast iteration.
It’s not just about choosing between speed and quality—it’s about knowing when to prioritise each, depending on the product’s stage and the market conditions. In the end, it’s about empowering teams to make intentional trade-offs based on the product’s lifecycle and business needs. That’s where true innovation happens.
We’re standing at the edge of some major shifts in tech and product development. Unbundling is paving the way for vertical disruptors to step in and make their mark. While speed will always be crucial in getting things done, adaptability and fine-tuning will ensure long-term success. As AI evolves from being just a tool to becoming a true partner, we can push past the usual UX boundaries and explore entirely new possibilities.
As you explore this week’s articles, take a moment to think about how these trends could shape your work and what new opportunities they might unlock.
Building and breaking go hand in hand—it’s messy, but that’s where the real magic happens.
Let’s keep pushing forward.
Luka