But what the user does.
This is probably the best reminder for us in today’s new Church-technological roundup and software-shindig: Are we building applications that scream “Look at me I’m awesome!” or applications that let the user do what they need to do without complication?
When was the last time you considered the end-user experience first? When was the last time you took a look at your blog or church website and asked yourself the hard questions?
Let’s review, shall we?
[HT: GapingVoid]
Matt Harrell says
I TOTALLY agree with this John. After building software for almost 10 years now, it's amazing what people will do and won't do with your software. They may never line up with what you, as software vendor envision it to be used for. And that's the problem with so much software these days. People build software and think it will be the best thing since sliced bread. You have to give it to users and see how they intereact with it and then build software around what can bring them value. Of course being truly usable (in a Jakob Nielsen way) is totally different and for that you MUST have users, run studies and generally start with design. Wow…off my soapbox now.
Jim says
i spent a good two hours yesterday evaluating what we are doing,saying,making,dreaming,etc. And asking a bunch of questions about the start to finish,etc.
Daniel_Berman says
And lets not forget the K.I.S.S. principle. Even if you are a power user, if its not simple you likely won't use it.
This does raise some interesting questions though, how many people view their websites as applications or tools for others to use? How many people simply see the web as a PA system? I have to confess, I probably have seriously blown it in this regard with my personal blog. Its better but slow going with the Issachar Network. Its not just a matter of generating community but providing a tool that the community will find helpful, useful, and fun.
Justin Hart says
I think Daniel hit it right, if the software is not very easy to use it does not matter what it can do because it will not be used. I've seen this over and over in the organization that I'm in, in fact it is going on right now. The software that we're looking at now is great in my opinion, but an average user likely will not use it. Even the most productive tool will not be used if it is not easy to use.
FaithEngineer says
It's always tough walking that fine line between customization and usability. Power users need software that can easily adapt, while most users just need something that works. You can't be both, so software programmers must choose early on what they want to be.
human3rror says
bingo.