MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Editorial: Learning curves hamper mobile adoption

Bob Russell · 09-13-2005, 03:22 PM

What's the biggest hurdle for mobile computing device adoption? Why doesn't everyone want a pda or smartphone, when it does all the things they want? Why are they more likely to get a phone that plays music, or an ipod?

The bottom line answer is simple. It's not primarily the capabilities, nor is it even due to the cost. The primary reason that people don't buy pdas and smart phones is the learning curve. Too much work is required to learn how to use the devices and making it fit their own needs. And along the way, it's very likely that they will run into problems or bugs or user error that turns them into debuggers. They are likely to either get stuck, have to ask a tech friend, or contact the company for help.

If you weren't independently attracted to the idea of using the technology, would you really want to waste your time and thoughts and efforts on such a device? I don't think so. It really makes paper sound good for the average person when you put it that way.

What's the solution? Simple, foolproof, simpler, and simpler still. At some point, it's not about the features. If it's too complicated, it doesn't matter how wonderful it is. Most people dread setting up a VCR. How much more will they dread working with a computer in their pocket? If it's not easy (or at the very least sound easy -- like iPod) it won't catch on.

Just think about the original Palm devices. They became popular like wildfire. But they were simple. Not necessarily really a great user experience because of the displays and batteries, for example. But they were simple, and that matters more. They're not simple anymore, and the market is limited. Make a simple and powerful pda, even with just the basic capabilities of current pdas, and I am convinced it will sell if you do it right.

But maybe it's not possible to create something like that which is simple. Too many variation on things like desktop platforms 3rd party software you say. Well, find a way to stick to basics that will remain compatible and let go of the heavy duty features. It will work as long as the technology sounds bulletproof and simple, not behind the times.

Are you listening Access and Microsoft and Nokia?

09-13-2005, 03:22 PM	#1
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Editorial: Learning curves hamper mobile adoption What's the biggest hurdle for mobile computing device adoption? Why doesn't everyone want a pda or smartphone, when it does all the things they want? Why are they more likely to get a phone that plays music, or an ipod? The bottom line answer is simple. It's not primarily the capabilities, nor is it even due to the cost. The primary reason that people don't buy pdas and smart phones is the learning curve. Too much work is required to learn how to use the devices and making it fit their own needs. And along the way, it's very likely that they will run into problems or bugs or user error that turns them into debuggers. They are likely to either get stuck, have to ask a tech friend, or contact the company for help. If you weren't independently attracted to the idea of using the technology, would you really want to waste your time and thoughts and efforts on such a device? I don't think so. It really makes paper sound good for the average person when you put it that way. What's the solution? Simple, foolproof, simpler, and simpler still. At some point, it's not about the features. If it's too complicated, it doesn't matter how wonderful it is. Most people dread setting up a VCR. How much more will they dread working with a computer in their pocket? If it's not easy (or at the very least sound easy -- like iPod) it won't catch on. Just think about the original Palm devices. They became popular like wildfire. But they were simple. Not necessarily really a great user experience because of the displays and batteries, for example. But they were simple, and that matters more. They're not simple anymore, and the market is limited. Make a simple and powerful pda, even with just the basic capabilities of current pdas, and I am convinced it will sell if you do it right. But maybe it's not possible to create something like that which is simple. Too many variation on things like desktop platforms 3rd party software you say. Well, find a way to stick to basics that will remain compatible and let go of the heavy duty features. It will work as long as the technology sounds bulletproof and simple, not behind the times. Are you listening Access and Microsoft and Nokia?