Was reading this article over at Writer’s Digest about how to start a chapter in an engaging manner. The similarities between writing a story and designing an engaging product or service were striking. (Note: When using the word ‘product’ this also includes services) Here are 8 tips for creating products that are innovative and engaging which is always a winning combination.
1. GET STRAIGHT TO THE ACTION. Your product should enable someone to initiate use and interaction with very little to-do.
2. HOOK WITH SURPRISING (INTER)ACTIONS. Make something memorable. We often equate surprise with volume. Beauty, intuitiveness, simplicity are often just as, if not more, surprising.
3. BE SURE THAT PRODUCT INTERACTION IS TRUE TO THE PRODUCT’S CHARACTER.
4. ACT FIRST, THINK LATER. A product should be intuitive, one shouldn’t have to think about it. If a task requires deep thinking, see #5.
5. COMMUNICATE NECESSARY INFORMATION BEFORE INTERACTION KICKS IN. Sometimes instructions need to be provided. That’s okay. But, make sure that the instructions are not viewed as optional. Instructions/directions should invite interaction and understanding.
6. REVEAL THE CHARACTER AND INTENTIONS OF A PRODUCT OFFERING IN WAYS THAT CANNOT BE SHOWN THROUGH INTERACTION.
7. FULLY ENGAGE WITH SPECIFIC VISUAL DETAILS. Emphasis on “FULLY,” but it’s about more than the product visuals. It extends to the packaging and the sales and use environments (to the extent these can be controlled.)
8. REFLECT THE CHARACTER OF THE PRODUCT AND INTENDED FEELINGS THROUGH PACKAGING. Is the packaging consistent with the experience? How about how it’s presented? What is the environment that the product will be sold in? Is it consistent with the overall intended experience?
What would you add?
