Build First Then Worry About Users?
Jared Spool made this comment on WebWord: “From an evolution standpoint, I think you have to build first and care about users second. For most systems, I think it’s too complicated to do otherwise.” Do you agree?
Jared Spool made this comment on WebWord: “From an evolution standpoint, I think you have to build first and care about users second. For most systems, I think it’s too complicated to do otherwise.” Do you agree?
March 24th, 2004 at 5:43 am
Many products are built first. But the decision on which features to build may benefit from caring about users first, prioritizing and potentially saving some monies along the way. We just completed a focus group where it was clear that users were interested only in the simple features and did not want to deal with any complex add ons that the business may have considered important and built from the start.
March 24th, 2004 at 6:58 am
It depends. :)
His statement is right on with what usually happens. It is good to realize that and not be too idealistic in demanding that users be thought of before the business needs because that just tends to piss off the business people.
However, I don’t think that is what we should be doing without question. The point should be to build a stable, available system that supports a desired performance level in completing tasks. That system is made up of physical systems, processes, procedures, and users. You try to balance the needs of all components, but my guess is that those who sign the checks will win out if it comes down to a choice. Maybe that’s what he means?
But again, it all depends.
March 24th, 2004 at 7:03 am
Exactly. Most people want things to be simple. What do mobile phone users care about most? Basic phone functionality.
March 24th, 2004 at 9:49 am
No matter who the author actually is, what’s the point? The opinion that those that build the system cannot or do not care about the users is absurd.
March 25th, 2004 at 4:05 am
It really depends on so many things; the project, the scope, the demographics, etc, etc. It does vary so much. But I feel this is where ones experience and knowledge of usability really comes into play. Most times you may not have the luxury of UAT, but your knowledge and skills should at least allow you to avoid obvious pitfalls and produce usable products.
March 28th, 2004 at 12:19 pm
Agree. It would be interesting to run a survey to see what parts of an operating system people are using. What applications do people really use? I think there is something to be said for installing a basic o/s with a browser, email, office suite etc. It wouuld be a challenge to see what parts you could strip away, but fun.