Building a product can be quite simple, but the best ones include insights from human behavior, algorithmic efficiency, and usability. To start, an engineer might build a sophisticated app that uses some cutting edge technology. It is a non-trivial feat which required:

• Speaking the language of mathematics in order to talk to the computer
• Pulling from a toolbox of various algorithms
• Manifesting itself as an app through programming

A solid understanding of this aspect means you have a feasible product. But that is not enough. You have a solution, but possibly no problem. Thus, analyst might come along to add some vision that takes into account a meaningful customer pain point (read: something that hurts enough people will pay for it). This is also a substantial feat which required:

• Speaking the language of the target customer, oftentimes through mediums as varied as body language to analytics.
• Pulling from a toolbox of various strategic frameworks
• Manifesting itself a product roadmap through planning prioritization

Now, the product is not only feasible, but it is also economically viable. You have a solution and a problem that is solves, which makes a good product. Still not enough. The original criteria was building great products, so more work needs to be done. Next, a designer might come along to improve the usability of the app that takes into account user feedback. This amazing feat requires:

• Speaking the language of creativity (?) I’m not sure here because I am not an expert
• Pulling from a toolbox of design patterns and UX heuristics
• Manifesting itself as well-designed user interface and user interactions

Finally, we have a product that is feasible, viable and desirable. We have a great product. All it took was the combined expertise of several industry leaders, and an idealized world where egos, politics and time pressures don’t exist.