Since there are so many gadgets out there doing different things, it might be a good time to take a look at what one could call the “Nirvana” of gadget design.  Much like the real thing, it’s about peace of mind for the person using it.  With a search gadget, the user should in theory be able to search the internet from the comfort of their desktop without popping open a web browser until they absolutely need it.  Sometimes this will be for just a single website, other time, the whole internet.

The goal is to make the experience of using the gadget worthwhile to the user.  Make it fun and easy for them to do things they would normally do in other applications.  If you make an informational gadget, include what they need right on the gadget itself and then allow for more information in an intuitive way.  Do this, and the user might stick with you till another gadget comes out that’s better.

Sometimes it might seem like the best idea to cut corners for fear that the hard work won’t pay off.  Now while this is based on a decision by decision process, it has been my experience that the extra steps you take to make the gadget easier to use will always pay off.  Always.  There will be someone out there who notices.

As a general rule, if you can see the problem, there’s a good chance someone else can too. 

So mind the road and travel in places where few have walked, and should you travel on the beaten path, walk with grace and you’ll be sure to reach the goal as it were.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 at 11:44 am
and is filed under News & Updates.



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