The first season of the 2025 Mowen AI Insider Column is finally here! This season involved a significant undertaking: navigating the American App Store, downloading numerous international AI products, engaging with the AI community on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), and personally testing a wide array of software. This intensive research uncovered a fascinating phenomenon: a stark contrast in the speed of product delivery and user expectation between the East and the West. Specifically, I observed a remarkable patience and acceptance of "slow operation" in the international market, a concept seemingly at odds with the immediacy demanded by the Chinese consumer.
The "Slow Operation" Phenomenon: A Case Study
This observation wasn't a single isolated incident. It emerged repeatedly across various platforms and services. Let's examine a few specific examples:
1. The Twitter Blue Verification Process
My experience with obtaining Twitter Blue verification (now X's equivalent) perfectly exemplifies this difference. The process took approximately three days. The system initiated a review, the purpose of which remained opaque. This timeframe seems unfathomable in the Chinese market. In China, the expectation is instantaneous gratification – a concept deeply embedded in the culture of e-commerce and instant delivery services. Imagine spending several hundred yuan on a product only to be kept waiting for its activation. The contrast is jarring. We're used to 20-minute food delivery; the idea of a three-day wait for a simple verification process is almost unthinkable.
This difference underscores a fundamental disparity in consumer expectation. In China, speed is often prioritized over meticulous review or a measured rollout. In contrast, the seemingly languid approach taken by some international platforms suggests a different prioritization—perhaps quality assurance or controlled user growth.
2. The Dia AI Browser Invitation System
Another compelling example is the Dia AI browser. Access to this browser is granted via an invitation-only system. These invitations aren't distributed officially through a mass marketing campaign; instead, they spread organically through word-of-mouth and personal connections. I obtained my invitation code from a colleague, Xiaogai, who in turn had acquired it from a foreign user on Twitter.
This decentralized, slow-burn approach to user acquisition is strikingly different from the typical Chinese approach, which often prioritizes rapid expansion and immediate market penetration. Dia's method reveals a strategic decision to manage growth in a way that balances user experience with resource constraints. Given that Dia is currently free and utilizes significant AI computing power, a more gradual rollout may be a necessary approach to ensure service stability and prevent overwhelming the system. The fact that users seem content to wait for access demonstrates a level of patience and understanding that isn't always present in the fast-paced Chinese market. Furthermore, the limited number of invitations each user receives (often only one or two) further regulates growth and fosters a sense of exclusivity.
3. The Discrepancy in Gift Card Delivery
The difference in user expectation extends beyond software. I also observed this contrast when purchasing gift cards. Purchasing an Apple gift card in China results in immediate delivery of the virtual card and immediate crediting of the funds. It’s instantaneous. However, purchasing a similar gift card in the US involves a waiting period, often one or two hours, before the card details are emailed. This seemingly minor difference highlights a significant cultural distinction.
Exploring the Underlying Reasons for "Slow Operation"
This consistent observation of "slow operation" in international markets prompted me to consider the underlying reasons behind this disparity. Two primary explanations stand out:
1. The Pace of Life and Cultural Differences
One obvious explanation lies in the difference in the pace of life between China and many Western countries. The Chinese market is characterized by a relentless pace, driven by intense competition and a highly developed e-commerce infrastructure. This has fostered a culture that values speed and efficiency above almost all else. In contrast, many Western cultures tend to embrace a more deliberate and relaxed pace, where patience and a more measured approach are valued. This cultural difference significantly impacts consumer expectations.
The implication for product development and marketing is significant. What might be considered acceptable wait times in a more relaxed market could be perceived as unacceptable delays in a fast-paced market like China. Therefore, tailoring product rollout strategies to the specific cultural context is paramount.
2. The Product's Perceived Value and User Trust
Another compelling explanation is the implicit belief in the product's inherent value. The willingness to wait suggests a level of trust and confidence in the product's quality. The longer wait time can even enhance the perceived value—the anticipation heightens the excitement and increases the sense of reward upon finally accessing the product or service. This is a strategic marketing implication, suggesting that a slower rollout could, in some cases, build stronger anticipation and customer loyalty. A product that is immediately accessible might be perceived as less valuable than one that requires some waiting. The implicit message is: "This is so good, it's worth waiting for." This creates a sense of exclusivity and desirability.
This is particularly important in the context of AI products, where the perceived value and technological sophistication are often key selling points. A slower rollout could strategically position these products as premium offerings, further justifying the wait time. This contrasts sharply with the more immediate availability often seen in the Chinese market, where competition is fierce and speed of entry is often prioritized over creating a sense of exclusivity or perceived value.
Implications for Product Development and Marketing
The "slow operation" phenomenon provides valuable insights for product development and marketing, particularly for companies operating in diverse global markets. Understanding the nuances of cultural expectations and adapting strategies accordingly is crucial. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to succeed.
- Targeted Rollouts: Consider implementing phased rollouts tailored to specific markets, taking into account cultural nuances regarding speed and immediacy.
- Managing Expectations: Clearly communicate timelines and expectations to users, especially in markets where immediate gratification is the norm. Transparency can alleviate frustration and build trust.
- Building Anticipation: Leveraging the "slow operation" approach strategically can create anticipation and enhance perceived value, particularly for premium products.
- Prioritizing Quality: The willingness of users in certain markets to wait implies a higher tolerance for delays if the end product is of exceptional quality. This emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality assurance and delivering a robust and reliable product or service.
Conclusion: Embracing the Nuances of Global Markets
The differences in user expectations regarding product delivery highlighted by the "slow operation" phenomenon underscore the importance of understanding cultural context in product development and marketing. What is considered acceptable in one market might be unacceptable in another. By embracing these nuances, companies can create more effective strategies and build stronger relationships with users across diverse global markets. The key takeaway is to tailor the approach to the target audience, considering factors such as cultural norms, pace of life, and the specific product’s value proposition. This insightful observation allows for the creation of more effective and targeted global marketing campaigns. The “slow operation” model might not be suitable for every product and market, but recognizing its existence and potential benefits is essential for companies aiming for global success.