Americans evaluate products first by whether they work—whether they accomplish their intended purposes effectively. A product that doesn’t perform its basic function is defective, period. No amount of attractive design, brand prestige, or innovative features compensates for functional failure.
The question “does it do what it’s supposed to do?” is the starting point for all product evaluation. This means function is the threshold requirement. A hammer must drive nails. A refrigerator must keep food cold.
A phone must make calls and run apps. Only after confirming functional performance do other qualities become relevant. When Americans complain about products, functional failures top the list.
When they recommend products, reliable function is usually assumed. Build your understanding of American product expectations on this functional foundation—everything else is secondary.
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