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Dear Q-Team,
I'd like to propose that once a product reached the end of it's development pipeline it be given a 2 to 3 day evaluation period before opening up to pre-sale orders. Design refinement rounds are extremely useful, but the design (& Branding) often turns in unexpected directions by the time it hits pre-sale shelves.
My argument is that a few days of community discussion and problem spotting could be quite helpful both in quenching some community criticism after the fact... and catching potentially troublesome issues early on.
So before the official roll out to the Quirky Catalog... this community based focus group would judge the full and final form... color&materials... product name... and price. ...and what Quirky does with that extra feedback is entirely up to Quirky!
I’m
thinking this is needed.
Final Design and Branding Evaluation Before Opening Up to Pre-sale
Promoted
Response
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I’m
interested
Cool idea, Peter! A few concerns stand out to me. May I get everyone's thoughts?
We read everything in the forum, but it can be difficult to dig out the actionable items from the freeform conversations. How could a pre-presales project be structured so that we capture succinct points?
Would it increase frustrations if we could not implement all changes? Would it feel like we were making a project which was just wasting people's time?
How about if we tweak a design, but it needed to be changed back because of other factors like factory feedback or pricing issues? Would this also come across like a misuse of people's time?
Last but actually most important in my mind: What info should we be capturing in the development projects that already exist? Can we preempt the need for this new phase by collecting better data to begin with?
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I’m
hopeful
Even if the product isn't improved a whit, it would drain some of the pus out of the wound that is the Forums.Comment -
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I’m
excited
I would do this for 0 influence if it makes a better product!-
One of my nicknames is Squirrely!
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I’m
interested
Cool idea, Peter! A few concerns stand out to me. May I get everyone's thoughts?
We read everything in the forum, but it can be difficult to dig out the actionable items from the freeform conversations. How could a pre-presales project be structured so that we capture succinct points?
Would it increase frustrations if we could not implement all changes? Would it feel like we were making a project which was just wasting people's time?
How about if we tweak a design, but it needed to be changed back because of other factors like factory feedback or pricing issues? Would this also come across like a misuse of people's time?
Last but actually most important in my mind: What info should we be capturing in the development projects that already exist? Can we preempt the need for this new phase by collecting better data to begin with? -
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1Thanks for the time and consideration, Shirley!
Before I touch briefly on each point you made, allow me to rephrase my wordy request more simply...
The design staff should have a community based focus group to explore any worthwhile refinements before the product gets passed on to the Sales and Marketing team.
I envision this as a rather informal design refinement phase in the pipeline. No influence should be promised in my view. I very much echo QuirkySquirrel sentiment, and a Me too! ...on just the hopes of making a better product. ...I'm confident others would agree.
By the way, just to be clear I'm not suggesting that you open things up for any additional I.D. submissions! Absolutely Not! ...I'm thinking something much more along the lines of putting a 3D rendering of final product on display, and open it up for commenting. (with star ratings even?) -
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...Now to your very valid points...
"We read everything in the forum..."
Even though the Q-Staff browses the forums, I've been given the impression that it's not an official form of communicating with Q-HQ, especially the Design Staff. ...But is it??
"Would it increase frustrations if we could not implement all changes?"
...Are you saying we're an argumentative and irritable bunch? ...Whuaaaat?!? {;^)
Would there be frustrations when folk's suggestions are rejected? ...I'm certain of it. But an understanding must exist on what's to be expected from a focus group session. One of the things about the Quirky process that continues to surprise me... is just how much of the element of surprise exists in a product's unveiling. When the result is unexpected... a venting of frustrations occurs -- in the forums, the Blog, and even in the Shop's Reviews which ain't helpful. I agree with Ken D. in that an opportunity for more of a voice before hand may quench some of the frustrations later on.
Changes due to factory feedback or pricing issues, and misuse of time
A clear explanation goes a looooong way in making people understand why things need to be the way they are. From my experience at Quirky so far... the biggest time waster was a mishandling of I.D. phases -- short on explanation long on surprise. ...but things have come a long way towards being better, and I'm very impressed. It's just the tail end of the design phase/product release that I believe could still be improved upon.
"Can we preempt the need for this new phase by collecting better data to begin with?"
YES! ... A standard entry in the Product Research Survey for additional comments and suggestions would be great! ...Do what ye will with the info received.
Shirley, as an immediate alternative to all of the above... I'm going to offer any views or suggestions that I may think useful in the comments of the Colors/Material Finish round. ...I'm hoping this is the most appropriate place for Final Design feedback right now??
Thanks, again.
P.S. What if participation in any focus group is limited? ...staff chooses among alternating group of active community members to participate. Throwin' it out there, but not entirely sold on the idea. -
