This world of ours seems to driven by "new."

I'd go so far as to say that humans are obsessed with the idea of new things.

Think about it: everything from laundry detergent to pizza to software to cars is constantly announcing itself as "new and improved!"

And we're totally sucked in by it... drawn to that shiny newness like moths to a flame, often not even questioning whether or not we're actually upgrading our user experience. It simply has to be better, because it is new, right?

Although I am generally a late or trailing adopter of new things, I have no issue with the actual newness... to each their own. It just happens to not be important to me whether or not I have the latest and greatest, as long as what I am using retains a workable level of "backwards compatibility."

Sloppy Work...?

The issue I have — and this concerns both individuals and organizations — arises only when this obsession with the new interferes with perfecting what already is, ultimately leaving everyone with a somewhat sub-par experience.

You shouldn't be so damn busy releasing new products till your existing base is running smoothly and without any undesirable kinks in the system.

When I worked in the IT industry, this was a common problem. And it invariably resulted in massive headaches and user complaints because the (barely tested) new product shipments were often built on top of buggy base code... all because of this pervasive drive for new.

I'm sure some Armani suit-wearing Ivy League MBA had pitched the idea that the cost of unhappy users was less than the cost to fix... but what about the fundamental principle of being able to stand behind having a quality product?

I watch this happen with websites and online communities, as well. Particularly often happens with interactive venues. I find myself looking at the "exciting new features" that have just been released with great fanfare, and I am just sitting there shaking my head because so many of the existing features don't even work very well.

For God's sake people, fix the old stuff before you release new stuff!

Of course, sometimes I'm told to just take a chill pill because I'm taking things too seriously.

"People won't mind too much as long as they can navigate their way around and it works somewhat" is the typical official excuse and justification.

I'm sorry, but I just don't buy it!

When you have an interactive website or public community, the usability and appearance and functionality you put out there works much like your shop window or the menu on the front door of your restaurant.

How do you present yourself? Like a dirty semi-functional jumble or like something inviting and cool that makes people want to stop and be part of things?

From where I'm sitting, it seems pretty much like a no-brainer, but evidently it's not as obvious to many as it seems to me... or, perhaps, they simply don't care.

I wish they would care!

Thanks for coming to visit, and do leave a comment if you feel so inclined!

=^..=

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Posted with proof of brain