This is an idea in the Tom Peters style. Innovate fast, and get customers involved early in the design process.
Our friend Owen Mead-Robins at Oprius Software is doing this. Here is his great idea for getting customers involved early in the design process:
We will soon be adding a section to our website where you will be able to get a sneak peak at upcoming features and design layouts. The idea is that we can publish images of how we think a new feature will work and you can tell us what you think. Changing a picture is much easier and faster than changing written software. This will allow us to make sure the software is really easy to use. Until then, keep sending us your feedback no matter how small it may seem, because your input is incredibly important to us.
And he’s not kidding. Oprius listens to customers and has a ravenous appetite for customer feedback. That’s the way to excellence.
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Yes, I think that’s an excellent idea. I’m trying to do the same thing with a service I’m offering to small businesses — using a survey to find out what people think of the product and then using those results to modify the product.
Terrific, Simon! The more different techniques you use to get your customers and potential customers involved in your design, the better.