Pushing out something completely broken that doesn't do what it's supposed to is definitely not going to work (duh!). Pushing out an app that solves the problem of managing shopping lists that has a bug where it doesn't work given a particular set of circumstances will still lead to many people using it if the users don't have any alternatives and it's better than using a piece of paper.
Software quality is important to companies because it means that they can spend more time building features instead of fighting fires, and because low quality represents a threat that a competitor could launch a better, less buggy app. Users mostly don't care so long as the app works well enough to do what they need it to do (but they're not dumb, they'll still pick the least buggy option if there are alternatives..).
A high level of quality in software is not important unless you're entering an already well-served market. I wish it was.
This is ZERO snark, but I'm genuinely curious for lots of examples. I ask because I'm confronted with this problem ALL THE TIME working at startups that obsessively focus on visual elements that won't move the needle, versus being obsessive about solving pain better than others.
I need to start building a list that I can just pull out at a moments notice.
Would love to hear more!