If you're a devoted fan of the iconic sitcom 'FRIENDS', you likely hail from India's upper echelons – we'll call it 'India 1'. Recently, the insightful 2024 Indus Report by Blume Ventures illuminated this fascinating stratification. This English-first, affluent class – let's face it – aligns more closely with Western lifestyles than we often acknowledge.

Yet, a vibrant world teems just beyond – 'India 2'. This encompasses the middle-income, regional language-dominant demographic. And here's the crux: Western influences heavily shape most Indian apps, primarily catering to India 1's user experience (UX) sensibilities.

Could we be so focused on a specific segment that we inadvertently neglect a vast swathe of users? The Indus Report underscores what I'll term an 'English Tax' unintentionally placed upon India 2. We assume fluency in gestures and interfaces rooted in a linguistic context that might be foreign to them.

India 1 and India 2 aren't merely economic divisions; they embody profound cultural distinctions that inform how people engage with technology. As product creators, shouldering the responsibility for inclusivity is paramount. Design needs to speak a relatable, intuitive language – one India can claim as its own.

These revelations urge us to rethink our design philosophy. Yes, beauty matters, but so does deep empathy. Products must become conduits for a genuine understanding of India's diverse voices.