When building AI-powered applications for Indian consumers, founders often face a crucial question: what problems do users care enough about to use daily and eventually pay for? In this article, we'll explore the key principles for crafting successful AI products that resonate with Indian consumers.
Principle #1: Build for Aspiration, Not Productivity
In India, AI-driven solutions that cater to users' aspirations rather than productivity tend to be more compelling. This means building products that help individuals achieve specific goals, such as landing a better job, cracking a government exam, or starting a side hustle.
For instance, an AI-powered tutor for UPSC exams can provide personalized coaching and guidance, increasing the user's chances of success by 10-20%. Similarly, an AI-driven English learning tool can offer real-time feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, helping users improve their communication skills.
Principle #2: Lead With Distribution, Not Models
Rather than starting with a fancy AI model, founders should focus on building distribution channels that reach Indian consumers where they already spend most of their time – WhatsApp. This means creating AI-powered chatbots or integrations that run seamlessly within existing workflows, eliminating the need for login forms or app store dependencies.
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is another crucial payment primitive to leverage, enabling micro-subscriptions, tipping, and pay-per-usage models that cater to Indian users' preferences. By embedding your AI product within popular OEMs and default presence, you can gain a long-term edge in the market.
Principle #3: Design for Bharat UX
Indian consumers prefer voice-first interactions with low-friction interfaces that prioritize family-centric usage. This means designing products that accept voice commands in local languages, respond with audio and text, and offer shared progress dashboards for multiple users.
To succeed in India, AI-powered applications must also address users' anxiety around data privacy and security. By providing clear explanations of data usage, visible controls, and a commitment to transparency, you can build trust with your users and drive long-term adoption.
By applying these principles – building for aspiration, leading with distribution, and designing for Bharat UX – founders can create AI-powered applications that resonate deeply with Indian consumers and drive meaningful growth in the market.