I fully agree with you, that the industry seems to be heading all wrong, and personally I feel the main reason is because the people in decision making positions do not understand what it takes to create a successful product.

Often antiquated product development processes such as OEM (etc.) or manufacturing mindsets just do not cut it these days. Rest assured though, I can tell you that the trend is heading in the other direction, as it is getting very much harder to create a good product as many other companies are creating offerings that “get it”.

“Though the reality is these days that there is nothing we really need.”

If you meant need in the sense that you cannot survive without it then maybe you are right. However this world is changing, people are not living in the era where they can live with marrying someone they do not even know existed. Some dudes i know can’t live without music. But I jibe with ur expanded point on “a good product not only creates wants but satisfies the needs that arise from there”. But is differentiating such an important need for consumers so much so they actually compromises on ease of use etc.?