Article from
Agency Software - Lean, Efficient, and Aiming for the "Happy User Peak"
English image not yet available...We are convinced of lean software.
That's why Kathy Sierra's "Featuritis vs. Happy User Peak" curve inspires us daily in our work. She calls "Featuritis" the disease that is ubiquitous in our society today - yes, a condition that many simply accept. It refers to the "too much of a good thing" that is supposed to enrich everyday life but in reality makes it more complicated.
Examples of Featuritis
Insurances where a normal citizen can hardly compare proposals confidently today. With countless models, options, and many pages of fine print, a customer has to struggle. Instead of making the decision easy, in the end, you can't see through it at all.
Technical devices – especially self-proclaimed "Top Models" offer countless functions that promise the customer unheard-of possibilities, which are often not really needed. Hardly any device can be used without an instruction manual anymore.
Technical books, that claim to be "complete", but offer no focus, making it harder and more strenuous for the learner to grasp the necessary information. The learner loses motivation and may even drop out prematurely – without feeling like they have understood it.
And last but not least: Software, where new functions are constantly being integrated, making processes more complex. What was once simple becomes a daily frustration.
And last but not least: Software, where new functions are constantly being integrated, making processes more complex. What was once simple becomes a daily frustration.
Why does it even get to this point?
The reason is - fear.
Fear, that the provider with the most functions wins.
Fear, of being overtaken by competitors.
Fear, that the customer decides based on a checklist and you have to meet all the points.
Fear, important customers might switch to another provider if their function wishes are not met.
We do not allow this fear. We are entirely in agreement with Kathy's opinion:
“Give users what they actually want, not what they say they want. And whatever you do, don’t give them new features just because your competitors have them!”
– Kathy Sierra
We believe the most satisfied and successful customers are those who can navigate quickly and safely with a good feeling. And thus achieve success quickly and without complications. This requires a healthy measure of functions. Also, a disciplined and straightforward product management that is always careful not to overshoot the target.
After all, our software MOCO is supposed to simplify (business) everyday life and not complicate it!
The "Happy User Peak" is the goal of our journey. Some functions are already there, others are close, and yet others are just past it. We are not perfect either. However, we never lose sight of our goal and always keep it in mind when developing. That's why for us, software is never really finished. It's about constant technical updates, fine-tuning. And improving, questioning, integrating new trends.
Yes – let's do it.
Yes – let's do it.
