I have used Typepad for my blog for five years. In that time, they have changed their look & feel and features here and there and they have mostly been improvements. They now have a very different looking version ready to launch. They are letting users preview the new version. I tried, I really did but have reverted to the old version. I suspect a combination of familiarity of the old and no time to learn where everything is in the new format. So I am back to the old version.
Interestingly I am far more flexible with Twitter interfaces. I have flipped between Hootsuite (weird look and feel but more functionality and fast) Tweet Deck (Beautiful to look at but as an API has to load and reload tweets and it has an iPhone app) and just plain old Twitter. Maybe it's because there is less to learn in Twitter?
I'd love to know what percentage of users have also gone back to the old Typepad. I wonder how you measure how much change a customer can hack. Makes me think about gDiapers and new product development. How far can one go , I wonder...?
I blog via Blogger (aka Blogspot), so no help there.
But in regard to product development-- sloooow change allows a customer to absorb the change while in a familiar environment. Once that has passed; waiting a bit and introducing the next new change (still keep it familiar and comfy) will keep customers happier than changing something all at once. I know, I know, it's obvious, right? Neh, not to a forum I'm on. They changed the interfaces permanently after the trial period and had most of the place up in arms. We had no chance to absorb and then no choice but to change over.
Of course if change just means adding fun accessories to a product line, that's a totally different animal. A [loyal] customer base waits with bated breath to see what will be launching next. Sure the colors or products may change, but it's 'new & improved' so the customers *have* to get it..it's like 'collect 'em all' aye?
Posted by: N. | August 14, 2009 at 03:24 AM