Posterous a sample of lightweight software

Posterous is the brand of the lightweight blogging service which can publish the article in a simple way. Users just need to write an email and send it to Posterous to complete released! This way is very easy to use and become popular by many users. User can write anytime with no word limit and no pressure. Posterous provides simple interface for user to manage. The menu design is also simple and the most important thing is very easy to publish. These are all the advantages of lightweight products to compete with other competitors.



Posterous now just only have 6 employees, however, there are 12 million visitors per month and more than 25 million page views. It proofs the idea which we learned in class "doing more with less".

In this time of competition and emphasis on community, perhaps we can consider a simple form of services to reach the specific needs and access to users of all ages. Posterous shows a successful lightweight product, it is worth to think about that!

Reference:
Redpoint Invests $4.4 Million In Fast Growing Posterous

Two thoughts on the Long Tail Theory!

As the power of the network, the costs of create product and inventory reduced greatly. This change cause a lot of websites which using the network + the long tail to build a new business model. The case of Amazon and Netflix which mentioned in class are very successful samples. However, after I realize the benefit of long tail +internet such as infinite shelf space, the cost advantages and capabilities, there still are two views which are not mentioned in the class.

Long Tail theory point out as long as the small market gathered together, we can create the business opportunities. The problem is how to find these small markets?

1. Wide delivery with social media

Formerly, to discover these potential small markets and deliver accurately of messages to target audiences is a very hard work. But now, in order to the power of the social media are rising up, it decrease the difficulty and let the thing become easier. For example, Facebook's "Like" and Twitter's "Tweet" may help to spread out the message. I think the only thing need to be noted is simplify the process and makes it easy to check the share button. This may be a very challenging issue. Another sample is public website Crisiscommons. Crisiscommons put social media sharing button below each article and using the power of social media to attract more potential users.

2: a better search experience

Long tail proves that the business opportunities of small business cannot be ignored. It does not mean the thing is done after web site operators successfully attract their target and move them into the website. A good search experience is an important point in whole long tail theory. It shouldn't be omitted. If user can't find the thing he need in your website, it just like you didn't open the market. More similar happen like this will lead long tail into a short tail, this is not the way to become the winner.

The example is Amazon which mentioned in the class is using recommendable system to help consumers. I think it is a good Sample. It show that When consumers can get more value in the site, the tail will become more longer.

This is my reflections about leveraging the Long Tail after the class. I hope you will like it!

 

Reference:

5 Ways Mega Charity Events Can Harness the Power of Social Media

Another three observations of perpetual beta

The process of an online game must pass through close beta test and open beta test. Then the game will be officially launched after confirming there are no major problems. With the testings and feedbacks by the players, the game company can find bug early and understanding the stability of the server.

Blizzard Entertainment is the most influential gaming companies in the world today. And “World of Warcraft” is the most popular online game of this company. The global membership of this game is more than ten million people now.

However, when you observe this game carefully, you will be shocked that this game seems to keep updated even they had been pass close beta test and open beta test in the earlier time. In fact, not only this game, all of Blizzard’s games often release patch files to adjust the game content.

 

Many web2.0 products and services keep themselves into perpetual beta model. Google can be said that the best practitioners of this principle. Many Google services had a beta mark at the beginning when it launched. The product team observe the user's behaviour to adjust or added new features during the service operation. Because of Google brand image, a new service often easy to attract users to join. It may also help Google test products stable capacity and confirm the usage.

This kind of mode also reinforces the core competitiveness of Google products invisibly. It also reflected the idea which had been mentioned in the class -perpetual beta allows rapid response happen with changing needs and customer feedback.

In addition, Google create Google Labs to practice the perpetual beta idea. In Google Labs, users can find more immature product. They are not 100% complete product but allow user to try in free. It may show us when Google designed prototype product at the start, the strategy of perpetual beta is already come together.

Although I know that using the idea of perpetual beta with your business product or service can really bring a lot of benefits just like I learn in the class, however, there are also some worthy of phenomenons need to be noted

1. Paid or free
Many beta Internet products and services are often free. When product or service companies require customers to take money from their pocket, these companies will not be able to have a relaxed tolerance. In order to consumers pay, the attendant is the increased expectation. Completed products and services will be required by customers because no one likes to be a experimenter when they already paid the money.

2. Product attribute
Product attribute also affect the applicability of perpetual beta. Most of the software can be applied to the perpetual beta there are no safety concerns with their products attribute. For example, the flight software or the medical software must be to a high degree of completeness. It must allow users to be assured and satisfied with the product from the outset.

3. Target object
Many large companies do not want to use the software which sounds still in the testing phase in their business. They want a highly sophisticated product to avoid unnecessary trouble. Operators such as banks cannot accept the continued perpetual beta services and products. They may suspect the stability and damage to their corporate image.

Although perpetual beta is not applicable to all products and services, it is also not an easy thing to be able to enforce perpetual beta idea. Of course I learned some from the class such as "Ensuring adequate systems monitoring and management is in place", in the other hand, eROI site editors also remind the following points with a good beta strategy. I think it is worth to take a look!

Reference:

World of Warcraft Public Test Realm - FAQ

Is Google Stuck in 'Perpetual Beta'?

Is the "Beta" the Ultimate Phishing Scam or Waste of time?

Five observations of span devices software

In the early days, the hardware vendors who have more quality software may get more consumers. The best demonstrate is the competition of TV game console such as Sony PlayStation V.S Sega Saturn. Players may buy the TV game console in order to play these exclusive games. However, as technologic development and advance, consumers believe to play the same game in different platforms must be natural.

The same situation also happens in mobile device. Although the platform is completely different programmer and structure, Users still think they "should” be able to play Angry Bird on different mobile devices.

Moreover, when PC is not the only device which can connect to the internet, the software will be asked not only able to run on the computer, but also can run on other devices. Span devices functionality of a software development has become a standard. The software application must conform to be used at any time, any place and any device. "Software above the Level of a Single Device" this phenomenon is occurring right now. From this, I observed several interesting phenomena:

1. Rise of integrated devices
Many products are difficult to determine its single function. When hardware devices become more powerful, the likelihood of these devices replace other devices may become increasingly. If most of software can operate in different devices, I believe it will accelerate the decline of the products which only have single function. For example, mobile is already enough powerful to be seen as a camera, music player, or a PDA. Consumers will think that it is better to buy a mobile than a PDA because the value may be higher. They still can use Word with a phone but also can take a picture and listen to music.

2. Always online
As we learned in class, "Use the power of the network to make the edge smarter", some content providers will save the data in the cloud, so when consumers use different equipment, as long as connect to the Internet, they still can reload the previous information. For instance, like the using model of Dropbox, Evernote and Google Doc. Furthermore, broadband infrastructure must be very important.

3. Instant Sync
As another point which I learned in class, I also think that it is a very important premise that software can instant sync in different platforms or devices. If software is unable to provide seamless service on different platforms, it may not only lose the significance of cross-platform, but also against the consumer's confidence. The video show how Amazon uses Whispersync technology to let users synchronize their comments and notes in different devices. It also shows the last chapter last look even on different platforms.

 

4. Unique features
Different hardware devices have different functions. When the software appear in a different platform and combine the original features of hardware device, it will be a surprise to users. For example, Facebook Places, a location function is connected with mobile devices unique features.

5. User-centred
In addition to allow users to use the same services and features seamlessly on different devices, good operating experience is a another challenge which need to be faced. When users have a choice between two softwares, they will favour the product which can provide a simple operation.

 

With the evolution of science and technology, the outlook of the device in the future will show more and more different types such as Internet refrigerator. This situation may cause more challenges for software developers when they develop software on different device. Let us wait and see!

References:

10 Things Killed by the Smartphone

EVERNOTE – Top Five Reasons to Evernote Your Life

Kindle 2 announced – Whispersync is what everyone should be excited about

Free Amazon Kindle for BlackBerry App Now Available

What I has learned in user experience between Web1.0 and Web2.0.

There are many different elements between Web1.0 and Web2.0. One of them is page rendering. Static pages gradually evolved into dynamic pages and information supply change into to supply content and applications. With the new technologies such as Ajax, html5 applied extensively, users have more diverse experience. These changes may affect user experience and whole website design.

Design: Many Web 2.0 interfaces designed similar to the desktop environment. The industries try to let users work online as same as they use software in a PC. For example, Hotmail and Yahoo mail interface was designed like desktop e-mail software to provide users a familiar environment. Gradually, users transfer their habit from a desktop interface model to an online model.

Furthermore, Because of this way encompasses the combination of the desktop application and browser applications, many kinds of browser application like dynamic menus and dynamic feedback with new technologies was widely used in Web2.0 website. However, there still have some issue for this trend. Different Browsers is one of the problems. Compatibility and complexity issues may bring a lot of troubles for the designer.

On the other hand, another different element of Web1.0 and Web2.0 is the communicative way of information. Web1.0 is one-way information dissemination. The message starts from Website owner. But Web2.0 is usually two-way to receive the message. So this kind of Communication style will push website owner to plan more user interactive methods and application to satisfy users’ need. Like the writing and editing mode in wiki.

In my opinion, simple to say, rich user experiences is to use the internet power with new technology to combine with user interface, and make it close to pc interface. After that, it may get rid of desktop software and complete all the work on online.

Reference:

WEB 1.0 TO WEB 2.0- A TRANSITION FROM PASSIVE VIEWER EXPERIENCE TO RICH USER EXPERIENCE

Rich User Experience Documentation

Usability for Rich Internet Applications

Designing experiences, not just features

Mashup services are becoming common!

HousingMaps is a famous rental website for American to look for a house. It was builded cause the experience of their founder Paul Rademacher. In 2005, Paul Rademacher moved to Silicon Valle and wanted to find a place. He sought out all the websites and got a lot of information back. Then he tried to type all the address into Google map and search the place one by one. Suddenly, he fell this job is very uninteresting and boring. It is better to completed by computer. He tried to connect Google map API and Craigslist (a website which supply online classified ads board service) together and build a website. So this is the origin of HousingMaps.

With data and services restructuring, innovation in assembly may create different types of services. Mashups and add-ons become a new way to extend existing services of Web 2.0website. Such as Lego building blocks, mashups integrate various applications together and provide new features. Like this case, countless third-party mashups of Google maps were spawned with Google's open code. Not only HousingMaps, the services like subway stops, UFO sightings, crime statistics and other forms products produce innovative services with Google map. People try to develop a wide range of innovative applications with using open- API and make an effort to use these types of things to find out a new business.

More and more Web 2.0 sites encourage users to use their combined data and provide new network services. These Web 2.0 sites provide interfaces platform for programmers and allow them to remix data in new ways. The participative and open framework may help developers and users easily to integrate information from different sites. These Web 2.0 sites even allow competitors services integrate on the same platform.

In my opinion, these mashup services have some characteristic features and benefits.

For Developer:

Low-Cost: Don’t need to develop new platform and content, they come from open platform.

Quite practical: These inspired services are designed cause the demand for life. In other words, the utility will be more close to the user needs.

For industry:

Widely syndication: open applications may attract lots of developers to create mashup services and promote their own service indirectly.

Identify talent: Discover new talent, like Paul Rademacher was already employed by Google.

Nowadays, many industries and developers try to develop innovative and interesting third-party services. I believe with technology as Ajax development and maturity, these combinations of lightweight may become more and more abundant in the future.

References:

Yahoo goes drag-and-drop for mapping

Mapping a revolution with 'mashups'

Google Maps API Family

Google Maps Mania

Yahoo! Maps Web Services

Content farm- another type of user generated content.

In this year February, Google release their new algorithm. Even they didn’t admit, but many people believe that this change was aimed at the “content farm”. So, what is “content farm”? Why Google must to change their algorithm to fight with them? This is a very interesting story to explore.

When the concept "Web2.0" was be presented in 2005, "Data is the Next Intel Inside" was one of the key principles. For instance, Google and Yahoo have the data of users’ search model and database. Amazon and EBay have the data of products and consumer behaviours. These enterprises relied on these data to provide more services and create more information and web traffic from internet users. This situation expounds the importance of data and changes the position from software to data. Data become the king in the internet world. Reid Hoffman, the LinkedIn founder believes data will be the platform of the next era of the web.

On the other hand, another kind of data is user generated content. User generated content also contributes lots of valuable data for enterprises to increase their traffic and earn more revenue such as Reddit, Digg. The web content publishing is no longer confined to the site owner. With the development of blog and wiki, when users browse an articles or a video, some of them may have some feedback, others users may have another feedback or different ideas when they saw these feedback whatever they know each other or not. With these feedback and recommendation, these activities support a power to attract internet users to join in meetings and contribute their thinking. The Maslow's hierarchy of needs which made by an American psychologist Abraham Maslow mentioned that human will pursue the achievements and self- esteem cause human desire further need of self-identity, including the recognition of others. Because of this demand for natural, this may explain why user glad to generated content and it is not too difficult for enterprises to design a motivational and incentives system to enhance this situation.

However, there has a different style of user generated content happen in recently. It is call “content farm”. According to Wiki explained, content farm is to describe companies which employ lot of writer to create various forms of articles with a specific purpose. Demand Media is the best company which develop this business model. This company owns over than 10000 freelance and writers. Demand Media want their writer use the top keyword which published by Google and follow these words to generate articles. These articles possibly will satisfy algorithms rules and get a high rank in the search engine algorithms. They can produce more than 5000 articles per day and attract 86 million unique visits per month. This way can simply bring considerable page views, make user to click their AdSense and attract advertiser to advertise. This is another kind of user generated content.

Nevertheless, the problem of this model is these companies don’t care about the quality of these articles. They just concern with these articles can easily be searched or not. So lots of low quality articles but have high rank happen frequently today. Someone said these kind of data and tricks are no benefit for public when the try to find out information with using search engine. This is the reason that why Google wan to change their algorithm. They believe search engine is to help people find the correct answer, not get lose in large and indifferent content.

References:

Google Tweaks Algorithm to Push Down Low-Quality Sites

Forget Platforms And Applications, Data Is The Real Asset On the Web

Infographic Provides Insight into Demand Media IPO

Will AOL and Demand Media’s Content Farm Strategy Prevail?

Content Farms: Why Media, Blogs & Google Should Be Worried

The Answer Factory: Demand Media and the Fast, Disposable, and Profitable as Hell Media Model