Are we optimizing our way out of good products?

Every metric can be improved. Every screen can convert better. Every flow can be 5% more “efficient.”

But lately I’ve been wondering, at what point does optimization start subtracting from the soul of a product?

When do smoother funnels make things feel flatter?

Some of my favorite products aren’t perfect. They’re a little weird. A little slow. A little human.

Not frictionless, but memorable.

How do you balance performance with personality in what you build?

Is there a metric you’ve stopped optimizing for?

Would love to hear how others navigate this :)