Is more really better?
In recent years there has been a trend toward creating products with large feature sets. It’s great when a product has many well designed features. This empowers users by giving them more options/control and can provide for a positive user experience. However, there can be drawbacks to adding more and more features.
Merely adding features can unnecessarily complicate product usage. Adding functionality can mean more controls in less space, deeper menu structures, a steeper learning curve for the user, etc. When making product decisions one should always consider how these decisions will affect the user. Some basic ideas to keep in mind…
- Make sure the feature fits the product – Consider features carefully, only add features that either users have asked for or those that fit with the scope of the product. Do consumers really expect to be able to watch a movie on their microwave while waiting for their food to cook?
- Take time to design – Features should be added in a way that will make sense for the user. Features should add to, not take away from the experience of using a product. Consider usability testing to get feedback from target users.
- Don’t forget about the main use cases – Consumers are going to buy a product to fulfill a need. Any features above and beyond that are icing as long as these other functions don’t inhibit the main use for the device. For example I need my phone to be able to call people, but if I have to press 3 buttons before I can even access the number pad to dial is that really a good user experience?
Products should be designed with the end user in mind so remember just because you can doesn’t always mean that you should.
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