It’s easy to underestimate the value of unexpected delight.
Tiny little fun surprises can change your countenance, your day, and your relationship to a person, product, or company.
I remember back when Snapple hit the scene. The first time I got a bottle and opened it, I noticed something written under the cap. It was a witty little phrase I can’t recall. But what I do recall is the feeling of, “Ah! Look at this thing hidden here!” They didn’t have to do it. It didn’t add to the flavor of the beverage. But they did. And they didn’t do it to get noticed or sell me on the product, because they hid it. They did it, it seemed, just because they thought it was fun. You could almost see the mischievous smiles on the production crew as they discreetly added the under-the-cap-detail.
Secret levels and hidden items in video games are the same. So are clever references in movies, or objects from one Pixar movie finding their way into the background of another.
Elon Musk talked about Easter eggs in the Tesla. Apparently there are fun little games with music and light the car will perform if you figure out how to access them.
Again, these aren’t really about the core function of the product. Nor are they primarily about getting attention and sales. They are little gifts you get after the purchase, and they let you in on an inside joke. They give you a sense of joy that the makers have about their own product. You imagine their delight in imagining your delight as you discover the Easter egg.
It’s easy to get stressed about building products and projects and relationships and focus on all the most important stuff but forget to have fun. Inject a little mischief. Some of the best stuff has no obvious justification.