I got inspired to write this blog post after reading "Less is less".
Too many project collaboration apps these days come across as being simple and easy to use. Some get away by equating simple with lack of features. This ticks me off since developing a project collaboration/ work tracking system is not the same as developing an email marketing software. With the latter you can get away with minimalistic features as long as your deliverability is 100%. No screw-ups there. But, when you are managing and helping people track their work "less is always less".
So, what is a simple app? Simple is ease of use. How easily can a user adopt the solution to his or her needs. Is it easy to understand and start using the app right after signing up?
Simple is intuitive.
Though, simple is bad when it implies limited features.
So, why don't you have feature X, Y and Z?That is because we are afraid it might make our software 'complex'. Complex is the opposite of simple. Complex software increases the time it takes for a user to learn the software. People today (and the Facebook generation tomorrow) do not have time to learn your software. They are busy with other things. If they can't add a new project/user/category without help, then they might as well log off and never come back.
So, what's up then?
You solve this 'Simple vs. Complex' dilemma by being a magician. Sort of actually.
Replace 'Complex' with 'Power'. Easy to use and packed with powerful features under the hood. Most importantly, let your users discover these features (magic!) instead of throwing it at them (cluttering the user-interface). Don't add a new feature if it is going to add to the learning curve and going to make your app 'complex'.
Be a BMW M5 - look like a sedan but be power-packed under the hood. :-)
Would love to hear your thoughts on what works for you?
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