User Needs vs. Core Tasks

User needs should also not be confused with core tasks, even though there is some resemblance. Core tasks are specific tasks that the user is already performing or expects to perform, whereas user needs express an existing or latent need related to a product. I would hence define the difference as follows: a user need may lead certain tasks to become core tasks over time, but never vice versa.

It is possible to innovate around core tasks, however. You'll read more about how to do that in Chapter 6.