Comments on: Why Not Just Try Designing? – Trusting the Ability and Conviction of Experienced Designers http://danielmckenzie.com/blog/2010/02/why-not-just-try-designing-trusting-the-ability-and-conviction-of-experienced-designers/ Musings on design matters, technology and culture. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:24:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: Jim Washok http://danielmckenzie.com/blog/2010/02/why-not-just-try-designing-trusting-the-ability-and-conviction-of-experienced-designers/comment-page-1/#comment-241 Jim Washok Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:07:35 +0000 http://danielmckenzie.com/blog/?p=363#comment-241 I can see your interpretations of the actions of both companies. Perhaps their actions are reflective of design laziness or fear. On the other hand, the actions of Company A in releasing updates to a subset of users for "testing" may be more reflective of the nature of their software offering such that inaccuracies are not tolerated (such as an online stock trading firm). They may have such a large user base that 100% rollout could result in infrastructure issues or a flood of support requests. The approach may be to simply empower users with the choice of when to switch from an interface they are comfortable with to a new one. You use Apple as an example and I agree that they are fearless in their designs, but they don't force you to upgrade to their latest OS or buy newest generation of iPhone... the consumer has that choice. The user of a SaaS product is at the company's mercy. In other words, the company may be just as comfortable as Apple with their designs, but also cognizant of the issues with forcing their users to change. I'm with you on Company B. While they may think they are being considerate by involving mass users in interface design, most users don't know what they want. If they want some user input, it would be more appropriate to identify a few select users that they know from past interactions are appropriate to participate in UI design. @Ben I had an original iPhone and did not experience any glaring problems... not saying there weren't any. It would be beneficial for you to identify a few rather than using generalizations without evidence. Though you did not specifically state the "problems" were actually a lack of features, such as multitasking or syncing to-dos, if it may be the case, I suggest refraining from equating "problems" with purposeful withholding of features. Apple does not design around features, they design around the user and ease of use; yet, they somehow manage to make the device/software work just as well, if not better, than competing products. I think Apple's reputation and confidence are such that they wouldn't risk testing a product with a first version to users. I think it's just natural for companies, like individuals, to learn more and appropriately adapt when in the "real world". In light of both of your comments, I'm hopeful that increased interest among companies for user / interactive experience designers will help improve the condition of product and software design... with the welcome side effect of improved customer service. I can see your interpretations of the actions of both companies. Perhaps their actions are reflective of design laziness or fear. On the other hand, the actions of Company A in releasing updates to a subset of users for “testing” may be more reflective of the nature of their software offering such that inaccuracies are not tolerated (such as an online stock trading firm). They may have such a large user base that 100% rollout could result in infrastructure issues or a flood of support requests. The approach may be to simply empower users with the choice of when to switch from an interface they are comfortable with to a new one. You use Apple as an example and I agree that they are fearless in their designs, but they don’t force you to upgrade to their latest OS or buy newest generation of iPhone… the consumer has that choice. The user of a SaaS product is at the company’s mercy. In other words, the company may be just as comfortable as Apple with their designs, but also cognizant of the issues with forcing their users to change.

I’m with you on Company B. While they may think they are being considerate by involving mass users in interface design, most users don’t know what they want. If they want some user input, it would be more appropriate to identify a few select users that they know from past interactions are appropriate to participate in UI design.

@Ben I had an original iPhone and did not experience any glaring problems… not saying there weren’t any. It would be beneficial for you to identify a few rather than using generalizations without evidence. Though you did not specifically state the “problems” were actually a lack of features, such as multitasking or syncing to-dos, if it may be the case, I suggest refraining from equating “problems” with purposeful withholding of features. Apple does not design around features, they design around the user and ease of use; yet, they somehow manage to make the device/software work just as well, if not better, than competing products. I think Apple’s reputation and confidence are such that they wouldn’t risk testing a product with a first version to users. I think it’s just natural for companies, like individuals, to learn more and appropriately adapt when in the “real world”.

In light of both of your comments, I’m hopeful that increased interest among companies for user / interactive experience designers will help improve the condition of product and software design… with the welcome side effect of improved customer service.

]]> By: Ben Liyanage http://danielmckenzie.com/blog/2010/02/why-not-just-try-designing-trusting-the-ability-and-conviction-of-experienced-designers/comment-page-1/#comment-240 Ben Liyanage Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:42:42 +0000 http://danielmckenzie.com/blog/?p=363#comment-240 I have to say, Apple is not a great example. I bought a first generation iphone. Sure it was innovative, but the product had a lot of problems, and plenty more innovation needed. My experiences with the device changed my opinion on Apple. When they came out with the first iPhone, I told everyone I knew not to buy a first generation iPhone. Apple was testing the waters on their consumers just like they did with the iPod. I recommended to people to wait one year while Apple ironed out the problems and release a new and better version. I recommend patience with the iPad as well. I have to say, Apple is not a great example. I bought a first generation iphone. Sure it was innovative, but the product had a lot of problems, and plenty more innovation needed. My experiences with the device changed my opinion on Apple.

When they came out with the first iPhone, I told everyone I knew not to buy a first generation iPhone. Apple was testing the waters on their consumers just like they did with the iPod. I recommended to people to wait one year while Apple ironed out the problems and release a new and better version.

I recommend patience with the iPad as well.

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