The customer wanted comic is a cartoon that depicts how different departments interpret and implement the requirements of a product development project, and how different it is from what the customer actually intended. The cartoon is also known as the "Tree Swing Cartoon" and became popular in business circles, especially in management when projects did not go the way they expected due to issues. The cartoon shows what the customer wanted for a swing and what transpires throughout the product development lifecycle. The following are some of the key points from the cartoon:

• The customer wanted a swing, but the project team delivered a rope thats nowhere near what they expected.
• The product, even though it’s not workable, will be sold as working and bug-free software. The sales team can start their job by exaggerating its features.
• Customers interested in the product will look for the documentation but to no avail.
• Customers are billed for the experience and not for the functionality of the product.
• When customers encounter a problem with their substandard product, they call the support team for help.

The cartoon is a humorous way of highlighting the importance of communication and understanding the customers needs in product development projects. It reminds everyone involved what and what not to do to complete a project.