Building AI Products That Actually Work — Ben Hylak (Raindrop), Sid Bendre (Oleve)
AI products that actually deliver value
In a market flooded with AI solutions promising revolutionary changes, the gap between hype and practical value has never been wider. A recent fireside chat between Ben Hylak of Raindrop and Sid Bendre of Oleve cut through the noise to address a critical question: How do we build AI products that genuinely solve problems instead of just chasing technological novelty? Their conversation offers a refreshing perspective for business leaders trying to navigate the complex landscape of AI implementation without falling into common traps.
Key Points
-
Problem-first approach: Both experts emphasized starting with customer problems rather than leading with AI technology. This inverts the common mistake of forcing AI into applications where it doesn't add meaningful value.
-
Iterative development process: Successful AI products emerge through continuous feedback loops with users, allowing refinement based on real-world usage rather than theoretical capabilities.
-
Technical feasibility balanced with user needs: Effective AI products find the sweet spot between what's technically possible and what actually solves user pain points in a way that feels natural and intuitive.
-
Focus on augmentation over automation: The most successful implementations enhance human capabilities rather than attempting to replace them entirely, creating collaborative intelligence.
The Value Creation Imperative
The most compelling insight from the discussion was the distinction between technology-driven and value-driven AI product development. As Hylak pointed out, "You don't win by having the best AI; you win by creating the most value for users." This perspective represents a fundamental shift from how many organizations approach AI implementation.
This matters tremendously in today's business climate, where AI investments are facing increasing scrutiny. After the initial wave of excitement around generative AI, companies are now being forced to demonstrate concrete ROI. According to McKinsey's 2023 State of AI report, only 26% of organizations report significant bottom-line impact from their AI initiatives despite massive investments. The gap exists because many implementations start with technology capabilities rather than clear business problems.
Beyond the Chat: Practical Applications
The speakers primarily focused on consumer-facing applications, but the principles apply equally to enterprise contexts. Consider how Microsoft approached AI integration in its productivity suite. Rather than creating standalone AI tools, they embedded capabilities like Copilot directly into existing workflows in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Recent Videos
How To Earn MONEY With Images (No Bullsh*t)
Smart earnings from your image collection In today's digital economy, passive income streams have become increasingly accessible to creators with various skill sets. A recent YouTube video cuts through the hype to explore legitimate ways photographers, designers, and even casual smartphone users can monetize their image collections. The strategies outlined don't rely on unrealistic promises or complicated schemes—instead, they focus on established marketplaces with proven revenue potential for image creators. Key Points Stock photography platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images remain viable income sources when you understand their specific requirements and optimize your submissions accordingly. Specialized marketplaces focusing...
Oct 3, 2025New SHAPE SHIFTING AI Robot Is Freaking People Out
Liquid robots will change everything In the quiet labs of Carnegie Mellon University, scientists have created something that feels plucked from science fiction—a magnetic slime robot that can transform between liquid and solid states, slipping through tight spaces before reassembling on the other side. This technology, showcased in a recent YouTube video, represents a significant leap beyond traditional robotics into a realm where machines mimic not just animal movements, but their fundamental physical properties. While the internet might be buzzing with dystopian concerns about "shape-shifting terminators," the reality offers far more promising applications that could revolutionize medicine, rescue operations, and...
Oct 3, 2025How To Do Homeless AI Tiktok Trend (Tiktok Homeless AI Tutorial)
AI homeless trend raises ethical concerns In an era where social media trends evolve faster than we can comprehend them, TikTok's "homeless AI" trend has sparked both creative engagement and serious ethical questions. The trend, which involves using AI to transform ordinary photos into images depicting homelessness, has rapidly gained traction across the platform, with creators eagerly jumping on board to showcase their digital transformations. While the technical process is relatively straightforward, the implications of digitally "becoming homeless" for entertainment deserve careful consideration. The video tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on creating these AI-generated images, explaining how users can transform...