Backpacks got worse on purpose(worseonpurpose.com)
321 points by 113 | 295 comments
Blog post arguing backpack quality declined after VF Corporation, originally a lingerie maker, acquired brands like JanSport and other backpack makers.
#product-quality on Hacker News
4 stories tagged product-quality, newest first.
You Have to Feel It(mitchellh.com)
343 points by tosh | 132 comments
Mitchell Hashimoto's essay arguing that meeting checklists and requirements isn't enough; builders must personally feel how their work feels to users.
The bewildering phenomenon of declining quality(english.elpais.com)
335 points by geox | 585 comments
El País English culture article examining why the quality of products and services, from airline seats to clothing to customer service, seems to be declining.
Why is it so hard to buy things that work well? (2022)(danluu.com)
594 points by janandonly | 504 comments
Dan Luu essay arguing against the idea that markets enforce efficiency, using examples like tech hiring and the difficulty of buying quality products and services.