Archive for September, 2009
The Sophisticated Beggar
It is amazing how some of life’s greatest lessons come from the least likely people or circumstances. The truth is there are an abundance of lessons available to all of us if we simply open our eyes and our hearts to the endless possibilities. So many times we are so caught up in “our own little world or pressing problems” that we are blind to the magical moments that surround us. I try to keep my head on a swivel at all times so I don’t miss these moments. This “by chance” encounter on a street corner in Edmonton was a great example of one of those magical moments.
Throw The Flash In the Trash
I recently had a discussion with a client regarding technology features. The conversation was topically focused on the “Wow” factor of E Learning Systems. My client was very interested in “whistles and bells” and believed strongly that Flashy Features created the “Wow” Effect. As I listened intently to his commentary with great interest I was also thinking about how I could politley break the news to him that I was in strong disagreement with his position.
Developing a powerful “E Learning Experience ” is about creating a Simple, Affordable, Fun and Efficient method of learning. The “Wow” effect should come about not because of a Flashy Interface but because the E Learning System provides the end user with the best opportunity to reach their individual goals. I believe any feature set that serves to complicates usage or in some way slows down the users experience should be avoided at all cost. I firmly believe choosing Simple over Flashy when it comes to software and application development will always be a better decision. I believe a great E Learning Application sould require you to do less while creating more impact.
This belief system is critically important as you develop a new application. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of building a Flashy Feature. It can be exciting to chase down a rainbow. The real problem lies in the truth that you don’t always find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Sometimes you can actually lose by creating a flashy feature that on the surface looks great but in application the feature complicates the end user experience and thereby serves to diminish usage. If we can’t make it simple for the end user we will throw the “Flash in the Trash.”
We are in a new era of software development today. The end of the Technocrat era was came about due to a game changing revelation: the vast majority of the world was composed of non-technical people. Artists, accountants, authors, history majors and other unexpected consumers roamed the prehistoric landscape outside the hallowed engineering halls. Software development is no longer a “programmer only” business model. Today software is truly developed through the inclusion of the thoughts, ideas, emotions and needs of many people.
In The Past:
You see in the past, the programmers treated their customers just like other programmers. They made them memorize crazy expert keyboard conventions and loaded the product with dozens of obscure features. Some flashy, some complicated and yes some feastures were simple. Why did this happen? This is what the programmers wanted out of a piece of software, so they assumed that the customers must want the same. These assumptions in many cases were flawed from the outset.
Today Is A Customer Needs Based Approach:
Practical needs: If anyone had ever asked the customer they would have learned the customer simply wanted a product that worked. For example, the product obviously needed to save time and money. Does it meet this standard. They wanted the product to be intuitive in use and practical in application. Does it meet this standard?
Emotional needs: Another obvious and key distinction is that the customer also wanted products that actually possessed less tangible benefits. They wanted applications that treated them with kindness and understanding if they made a mistake. They even wanted to use products that were attractive and conferred status. The customers desired programs that appealed to the softer aspects of their humanity. A product that enriched their daily experience instead of one that created more complexity.
I finally asked my customer who wanted “The Flash” a few questions regarding his real “E Learning” goals? Questions that were designed to force a different level of thought regarding the “Wow Effect” he was seeking. Through a very engaging conversation we arrived at a few points of agreement.
The end user needs to be wowed by the results they achieve.
The end user needs to find their use of the application as a simple tool that solves complex issues.
The end user need to have fun using the application.
The end user needs to be able to afford the application and in fact see the application as a value add not a cost or expense.
Throwing the “Flash in the Trash” is not about building a boring or ugly application. It is not about forgetting the power of a great Brand or ignoring the need for a proper look and feel. This approach is not about ignoring stakeholders or rejecting concepts. This approach is about asking better questions. It is about eliminating steps and enhancing the simplicity of usage. It is about building applications that are S.A.F.E.. Safe because they are simple to understand and use. Safe because they are affordable and add value. Safe because they are fun and serve to enhance the experience of the user. Safe because they are efficient and help people do less while receiving more impact.
Rating Videos-The Brutal Truth
As a teacher I have always believed in student evaluations as a meaningful tool to gauge my work. Over the years we have used many methods to quantify the opinions of people who attend our live events. We have used this data to adjust various components of our work. The changes we have made as [...]
Losses Into Lessons – Four Fail Safe Strategies
This article is written specifically for individuals who have a burning desire and a willingness to do the work in order to achieve at the Ultimate Level. I always laugh when you see a speaker ask this question; “How many of you really want to win?” I’ve often wondered if the speaker really expected someone to stand up and shout out, “Not me man, I want to lose!” So let’s accept that we all want to win. That’s really not the point, in my opinion. The key is simple: Wanting to and be willing to and actually doing what you must in order to be the best requires completely different levels of commitment. This article is about what you do after your losses. How do you respond?
Stop the Bleeding – 4 Fail Safe Solutions That Will Limit Turnover
Why is turnover such a major issue in the “Sales Departments” in our industry? It’s not like the problem is a new issue on the horizon. The brutal truth is that this issue has been a topic of discussion for the entirety of my 24 year career as a teacher. Dealerships all over the World still struggle with turnover, especially in the sales side of their business. Turnover, the loss of talent, is a hidden activity based cost that is more expensive than people want to accept. There is no line on the financial statement that measures the expense but I promise it is costing you a fortune. The good news is there are 4 Solutions that will limit your turnover and increase your SALES DEPARTMENT profitability.
