As a manager who may be looking at meeting customer demand for building business applications, you will want to read what two individuals have to say about it.
a
This is a very good interaction between a developer and a reader who comments on what he says concerning handling customers.
a
The following is the developer’s solution.
Here are some common basic needs that customer needs in most applications:
1. Speed: If it aint fast, its not worth it.
2. Access: Quick access to information is critical.
3. Simplicity: If its not intiutive, its not usable.
4. Searchable: If it cannot be searched, it does not exist.
Some solutions to achieve these basic needs:
1. Multiple Views: Plan on providing multiple views to users. Use system by usertype, functions, etc.
2. Customization: Provide features to customize.
3. Feedback: Get early and often user feedback with a working prototype.
4. Simple: Build simple interfaces. Add complexity for advanced users.
5. ALWAYS remember the pyramid: Basic needs are always needed, when providing cool & complex features.
Tim writes a comment responding to the above model:
“Studies have shown that in 93% of businesses studied the customer didn't know what they wanted before production and this resulted in a 80% non performance of expected objectives on the part of the developer. This was with almost a blue print of what your suggesting.”
He goes on to basically say that there is no way that the developer and customer can get together and get it done; at least not with a lot of pain.
Actually I think that both have a point. I have many times heard of how a developer and customer get together and in spite of the best intentions of both sides, have a very rough time meeting in a place that they both understand each other.
a
Of course one of the greatest weaknesses from a customer point-of-view is that a developer, as noticed above, likes to do things cool; while a customer always wants easy-to-use, practical functions that will solve his problem.
a
This is where a lot of the disconnect between the two happen. So consider these things in your IT management responsibilities. It will help to ease a lot of tension between the two sides.
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» Web Design and your Customer from ManagersRealm
There is a continuing need in management to understand the needs of a customer versus the way a programmer looks at his craft. a Andrew Neitlich mentions on sitepoint that he believes that to be successful at anything it... [Read More]
Tracked on: January 28, 2006 11:38 PM | Permalink to Trackback