Why Products With Disastrous Usability Survive For Ages?

 To be successful in business you need to have a damn good product or service.

Recently while shopping - it was a week prior to Halloween and we were raising candy begging kids preparedness - I bumped into a huge bag of Carambar.

Memories from my childhood came up. Usually we got these at the local swimming pool in summer, or in winter when ice skating.

I immediately remembered how this mixture of caramel was sticking between the teeth. Always a bit afraid that it would never get off. It was so damn sticky but exceptionally delicious.

We bought the bag - it was a blend of different flavours. I could not remember that Carambar would come in flavours different than caramel. Maybe I just can not remember any more, or they've been adding in efforts of innovation initiatives some other flavours to the portfolio.

Halloween came, and unfortunately no kids were ringing the bell at the door. This led me to test this awesome product on my own.

I opened the bag and started to pick some of the bars and started to open them. - Immediately I had another very strong memory. The fact that you could never remove the packaging in one piece. Even worse, the fact that there were always - no matter how sophisticated your strategy of unpacking was - little pieces of the packaging material left sticking to the very sticky Carambar. 

Yes - in terms of unpacking usability, one of the worst products ever seen. And this for decades!

Now, since innovation is new flavours instead of making the original even better, I tested all versions in the bag.

They are all delicious. The innovation initiative obviously has been optimised for the right endpoints.

But packaging, ... total disaster!

I hope they did the testing of the packaging paper in terms of toxicity well, since I do not see kids being patient enough and having the right surgical skills to unpack a Carambar correctly getting access to clean and pure Carambar. 

Doing a bit of research. Carambar was invented in 1954. As it seems the product has been around eversince. The brand changed ownership which is nothing but uncommon for candy products.

One thing which is specially mentioned is a fact about the packaging. It's not the usability which sticks to consumers minds but another feature. - A special feature and French tradition is the packaging, which is printed on the inside with jokes or wisdom to amuse the consumer.

So, as it seems to consumers, the tricky unpacking is off set with some humour and jokes. - I just never got the paper staying in one piece for me to read the jokes.

Reading about importance of usability, there are numerous studies that proof that poor usability results in customers not buying from you.

Nevertheless, there are poor usability products surviving for decades.

What is usability? - It's when you don't get frustrated about the product you are interacting with?

Now in terms of Carambar? - The struggle in unpacking might increase the desire for the delicious sweet. And the sweet flavoured sticky Carambar is tasting so good that all the pain in getting to the point of tasting it is forgotten. - Is this the success of a product surviving already almost three quarters of a century?

What do you think? - With seven decades of success, would it be time to invest into packaging innovation? Or would this even destroy the authenticity and originality of the product?

The Pivotal Role of Large Wireless Headphones in Modern Fitness Training: My Self Test

After observing the trend of large wireless headphones while working out at the gym for a couple of months now - refer to my earlier post "The Pivotal Role of Large Wireless Headphones in Modern Fitness Training: An Intersection of Sociology and Sports Science" - I decided to verify my hypothesis and explanations running a self test.

Stepping into the gym is always an experience – a dance of determination, motivation, and discipline. On my most recent trips to the fitness sanctuary, I’ve added a new companion to the mix: I was testing large wireless headphones. Their impact has been profound, but not without a few caveats.

The Power of Music in Workout Performance

I've always believed in the adage that music is food for the soul. But in the gym, music becomes fuel for the body. The rhythmic beats, especially those with a certain drive, seem to charge up my inner beast. Each rep, sprint, and squat gets a dash more aggression, more grit. There's no denying it: my performance scales up when the right tune plays. The sheer motivation that courses through me is palpable. It's as if the music channels my body's energy, aligning every move with the beat, pushing me harder, making me stronger.

The Sociological Function: Regulating Personal Space

Prior to wearing these headphones, I wasn't the type to indulge in long conversations at the gym. But with these massive ear-cups on, the few casual nods and greetings I used to exchange have dwindled to almost zero. They act like an unspoken 'Do Not Disturb' sign. I’ve noticed glances being averted quicker, and a certain respectful distance being maintained. I am encased in my disciplined workout bubble, and others seem to intuitively recognize and respect that.

Personalizing the Workout Experience

This isn’t my first rodeo with music and sports. Back in my high jump competition days, music was the backstage ritual most of the time, but there were special occasions with competitions where every athlete would bring his own motivational music which would be played over stadium speakers during his very personal attempt. That's how I was jumping my all time personal best (now more than 25 years ago). 

The gym is a different ball game. There's already a wall of sound – the grunts, the clanging, and often an overwhelming blast of the gym's chosen music. My headphones help me create my personal oasis amidst this cacophony. And when I'm not in the mood for music, I switch to audiobooks. It’s like killing two birds with one stone: body and brain both getting their fair share of workout.

The Big Issue: The Sweat Factor

However, it hasn't been all roses. My biggest gripe with these large wireless headphones is the sweaty ear syndrome. After an intense workout, it feels like my ears have run a marathon of their own and they are substantially losing grip and become easy to fall off while exercising. 

The moisture trapped under the ear pads is uncomfortable, to say the least. Over time, it's not just discomfort; it's borderline disgusting. This has led to frequent replacements of ear pads, which isn’t exactly pocket-friendly.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the large wireless headphones have truly transformed my gym experience. The power of music, the personal space, and the personalization of my workouts have all seen a significant uplift. However, I do wish there was a solution to the sweaty ears situation. Would I recommend them? Absolutely, but with a small advisory on the sweat factor. Until then, here’s to more rhythmic reps and perspiring earlobes!

The Symphony of Sports: How Headphones and Music Shaped Professional Athletics

The union of sports and music has been a transformative one. This symbiosis came to light with the image of an athlete wearing headphones, lost in a world of rhythm and melody, blending the physical rigors of sport with the emotional depth of music. This blog post will delve into the history of using headphones and music in professional sports and the subsequent evolution of headphone technology, focusing on ergonomics and usability. We begin our journey with an athlete named Willie Banks and his trusty Walkman.

Willie Banks: Setting the Rhythm

American triple jumper Willie Banks, an Olympian and world record holder, is known to be the first professional athlete who used a Walkman and headphones during his sporting events in the early 1980s (1). Banks would listen to upbeat tunes before his jumps, utilizing music to elevate his performance. He discovered that his performance rhythm synced with certain music rhythms, a practice that eventually got the crowd involved in his performance.

Science Lends its Voice

Following Banks' innovation, scientific research soon started corroborating the benefits of music in enhancing sports performance. Costas Karageorghis, a renowned sports psychologist, has conducted extensive research, highlighting that music can reduce the perception of effort, increase endurance, and promote optimal arousal (2).

Evolution of Headphones: From Walkmans to Wireless

As the practice of athletes listening to music began to gain momentum, technological advancements also accelerated. In the '80s and '90s, athletes grappled with bulky Walkmans and wired headphones. Enter the new millennium, and we saw the advent of iPods and Bluetooth headphones, significantly enhancing usability for athletes.

One notable product was the Motorola S9 Bluetooth headphones, released in 2007. These headphones were ergonomically designed with a secure fit, and they were sweat and water-resistant, making them a favourite among athletes (3).

Advancements continued, with brands such as Jaybird, Jabra, and Beats by Dr. Dre introducing headphones with improved ergonomics, secure fits, and better sound quality, specifically designed for athletes (4). Modern headphones also offer features like active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, and customisable sound profiles.

Athletes and Headphones Today

Today, professional athletes across all sports are seen using headphones. From Michael Phelps' conspicuous use of headphones during the 2016 Olympics (5) to tennis players warming up with their favourite tunes, the trend is ubiquitous (6).

Notably, companies now offer athlete-endorsed headphones, with sports stars like LeBron James and Serena Williams promoting Beats by Dr. Dre (7). These partnerships highlight the critical role that music and headphones play in professional sports today.

The Future: Tailoring Music to Athletes

The future of music in sports is expected to move towards customisation. Technological advancements might allow the creation of custom playlists that sync with an athlete's heart rate and other physiological indicators, optimizing their performance.

References

Footnotes

1. Brand, S. (2018). Legends of the Sport: The Impact of Willie Banks. North Charleston, MileSplit CA.
2. Karageorghis, C.I., & Priest, D.L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: a review and synthesis (Part I). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 44-66.
3. Motorola. (2007). Motorola S9 Bluetooth Active Headphones [Press release].
4. Chiou Wen-Ko, et al. (2013). Surveying the comfort perception of the ergonomic design of bluetooth earphones. Work (IOS Press), 49(2).
5. Cork Gaines (2016). Michael Phelps had to cover all the logos on his Beats headphones after missing one early in the Olympics. Business Insider.
6. Jordan Gains Lewis (2016). The Neuroscience of Getting "In The Zone". Research Matters.
7. Beats by Dr. Dre. (2018). Beats by Dr. Dre — Powerbeats Pro — Unleashed [Video]. YouTube.

The Pivotal Role of Large Wireless Headphones in Modern Fitness Training: An Intersection of Sociology and Sports Science

In the bustling landscape of modern fitness culture, there's an unassuming player that significantly contributes to the effectiveness of workout sessions – large wireless headphones. Though they might initially seem to be a mere accessory, the role these devices play in fitness training is far from trivial.

The Power of Music in Workout Performance

Researchers have long been interested in the link between music and exercise performance. A groundbreaking study from Brunel University by Karageorghis & Priest (2012) found that music could enhance endurance by up to 15%. This substantial increase is a testament to the motivational power of music and its ability to reduce perceived exertion during workouts. Large wireless headphones, with their superior sound quality and immersive auditory experience, act as perfect mediums to harness this power of music.

More recent research by Greco et al. (2022) supports these findings, demonstrating that music contributes to improved performance during high-intensity workouts by reducing the perceived effort, thus leading to more efficient and effective workout sessions.

The Sociological Function: Regulating Personal Space

Large wireless headphones serve a critical sociological function in the shared space of a gym. These devices contribute to the regulation of personal space and management of social interaction. This idea resonates with sociologist Erving Goffman's concept of 'civil inattention', which involves individuals reducing their attention towards others to maintain their personal space in public settings (Goffman, 1963).

In fitness environments, large wireless headphones serve as a visible indicator of a user's preference for personal space and focus on their workout, thereby contributing to a harmonious shared environment.

Personalizing the Workout Experience

Beyond their role in performance enhancement and personal space regulation, large wireless headphones contribute significantly to personalizing the workout experience. In a study exploring the impact of portable music devices on everyday life, Bull (2007) noted how individuals use music to shape their mood, manage stress levels, and create a sense of personal space, even in public environments.

In fitness training, this ability to control one's auditory environment can significantly enhance motivation levels, making workouts more engaging and effective.

In conclusion, the role of large wireless headphones in modern fitness training transcends their function as music delivery devices. Their contributions to enhancing workout performance, regulating social interactions, and personalizing fitness experiences underscore their value in today's fitness culture.

References

• Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: a review and synthesis (Part II). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 67-84.
• Greco F., Grazioli E., Cosco L.F., Parisi A., Bertollo M., Emerenziani G.P. (2022). The effects of music on cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular fitness in recreationally active individuals: a narrative review. Sports Medicine And Rehabilitation, PeerJ 10:e13332
• Goffman, E. (1963). Behavior in Public Places.
• Bull, M. (2007). Sound Moves: iPod Culture and Urban Experience. Routledge.

Revealing the Unexpected: The Art of User Experience in a Self-Service Coffee Machine

As as a product and user experience expert, I continually find fascination in the intersection of design, functionality, and user interaction. When I discovered the self-service coffee machine at an upper-class hotel offering unique beverages such as "Kaffe Schnaps," "Kaffee Fertig," and "Kaffee Luz," (special Swiss beverages mixing coffee with some local spirits) my anticipation brimmed at the opportunity to interact with a machine promising to blend the worlds of coffee and spirits. Regrettably, my initial excitement gave way to a rather different reality. Let's unpack this experience, step by step.

First Impressions

Upon first encounter, the coffee machine is a sight to behold. The sleek and modern design, with its sparkling clean surface and interactive touch screen interface, captures your attention and curiosity immediately. The strategic placement at the breakfast buffet adds a touch of grandeur and indulgence to the morning dining experience. The machine promises an experience of luxury and an adventure into unique blends of coffee and spirits.

In Search of A Spirited Blend

As I navigated through the touch screen menu, the options presented - among many more traditional coffee specials - were "Kaffe Schnaps," "Kaffee Fertig," and "Kaffee Luz." Each selection on the machine invited me to explore a novel world of flavors, promising an adventurous blend of coffee with an essence of various spirits. Intrigued by the Swiss tradition these names evoke, I started my exploration with "Kaffe Schnaps."

The Dose of Reality

After selecting "Kaffe Schnaps," expecting a rich blend of robust coffee and a shot of fruit brandy, I realized the actual function was to adjust the coffee dose and not to dispense the spirit as initially presumed. Similarly, choosing "Kaffee Fertig" and "Kaffee Luz" only adjusted the coffee strength and dosage, with no added spirits.

This discrepancy between expectation and reality is where the user experience fell short. The machine interface leveraged the allure of spirited coffees to attract interaction, but the result was a regular coffee with varying strength and dosages.

User Experience: The Gap Between Expectation and Reality

As a user experience expert, this situation underscores the significance of clear and honest communication in design. While the machine excelled in visual appeal and user-friendly navigation, the incongruity between the conveyed promise and the actual function led to disappointment.

This could be avoided with clear, accurate labels. Or, with a clear communication that these are for restaurant staff use only "pre-processing" steps when preparing the respective coffee - spirit blends manually. 

Concluding Thoughts

In the realm of user experience, the journey matters as much as the destination. When it comes to our luxurious self-service coffee machine, the overall aesthetics, usability, and brewing functionality are impressive. However, the user experience could be significantly improved with more transparency and accurate communication of the machine's capabilities.

In essence, as UX practitioners, we must remember that while it's essential to create captivating user experiences, meeting users' expectations with sincerity and transparency is crucial to creating a truly satisfying interaction. - "Kaffee Schnaps" at the push of a button would have been too much of a luxurious  breakfast experience ;-)

The Crucial Role of Marketing, Branding, and Customer Experience in Value Creation

In a world increasingly characterized by choice and abundance, distinguishing your product from the crowd has never been more challenging or more important. At the heart of this issue lies the trinity of marketing, branding, and customer experience. When leveraged correctly, these three elements can dramatically elevate your product's perceived value and, consequently, its marketplace success.

Marketing: Driving Awareness and Attraction

The journey of value creation begins with marketing. An impactful marketing campaign raises awareness of a product or service, familiarizes potential customers with its unique selling propositions, and piques their interest. In essence, marketing creates perceived value. It showcases the benefits, features, and potential solutions that a product or service can provide, thus making it attractive to the target audience.

Without effective marketing, even the best products may remain unnoticed, like undiscovered gems. Therefore, marketing is a catalyst that propels a product from obscurity into the limelight. It's a key contributor to the value creation process, transforming latent potential into tangible demand.

Building that marketing concept starts way before the product is even being developed. Actually, it is an essential part of developing the product on the first place.

Branding: Cultivating Trust and Loyalty

Branding goes hand in hand with marketing. While marketing brings a product or service to the customer's attention, branding establishes a product's identity, ethos, and long-term relationship with the consumer. Brands communicate the intrinsic values and personality of a product, making it relatable and trustworthy.

A well-constructed brand fosters loyalty, encourages repeat purchases, and can even justify a higher price point due to its perceived quality and value. Moreover, it enhances the product's resistance to competitive pressures by establishing a strong emotional connection with consumers. In this way, branding is not just about immediate transactions, but it plays a crucial role in long-term value creation and business sustainability.

Customer Experience: Sealing the Value Proposition

Even with top-notch marketing and a strong brand, the value creation process is incomplete without a compelling customer experience. This includes every interaction a customer has with the product or the company, from pre-purchase information searching to post-purchase services.

The customer experience should be engaging, consistent, and personalized, as this creates a deeper emotional connection between the customer and the product. Positive experiences not only make the customer feel valued and satisfied, but also increase the likelihood of word-of-mouth recommendations, thus indirectly amplifying marketing efforts.

Furthermore, an exceptional customer experience helps to substantiate the claims made through marketing and branding. It ensures that the product delivers on its promises, therefore solidifying its value proposition and building a trustworthy reputation.

The Harmonious Blend of Marketing, Branding, and Customer Experience

In conclusion, the triumvirate of marketing, branding, and customer experience drives significant value creation in the product realm. Individually, each plays a unique role, but together they form a harmonious blend that elevates a product's perceived value and market potential.

While marketing introduces and attracts, branding deepens the connection, and customer experience validates and strengthens that bond. By prioritizing all three, companies can not only enhance the perceived value of their products but also cultivate a loyal customer base that continues to drive sustainable business growth.

Complexity of Product Management

Good product usability, or ergonomic products does not depend only on good work of designers. The one orchestrating good product work is the product manager.

The product managers' task is complex in nature.

Product management is a complex discipline that involves managing diverse functions, balancing competing priorities, and making decisions based on incomplete information. Effective product management requires strategic thinking, creativity, technical knowledge, leadership skills, and effective communication.

To become a good product manager is a long learning journey. And, learning often is about reading books. - Recently I found this very good visual by Delibr (unfortunately I could not finde the original post any more) about "The Best Books on Product Management". Having read most of these books - in rather random order - I can recommend this chart as a very good learning path.

To just mention some of my personal favourites:

• Inspired and empowered by Marty Cagan
• Measure What Matters by John Doerr
• Hooked by Nir Eyal
• Escaping the Build Trap by Melissa Perri
• another classic, The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
• Value Proposition Design by Alex Osterwalder et al.
• Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore

Find here a list with some short summaries about all of the listed books.  - And don't stop reading!

Starter:

The book "Inspired" by Marty Cagan is a guide for product managers and product teams to create successful and innovative products. Cagan emphasizes the importance of putting the user's needs first, focusing on problems instead of solutions, and empowering cross-functional teams to work collaboratively. He also provides practical advice on how to conduct user research, prioritize product features, and iterate quickly to deliver products that delight customers. https://amzn.to/3Zyn1MT

Get started as a PM

"Cracking the PM Interview" by Gayle McDowell and Jackie Bavaro is a comprehensive guide to help aspiring product managers land their dream job. The book covers a wide range of topics, including product design, metrics, execution, and behavioral questions. The authors provide practical advice on how to prepare for interviews, what to expect in each stage of the process, and how to present oneself as a strong candidate. The book also includes sample questions, case studies, and frameworks to help readers develop their problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities. Overall, "Cracking the PM Interview" is a must-read for anyone looking to break into the competitive field of product management. https://amzn.to/3Iu1rSw

"Decode and Conquer" by Lewis Lin is a practical guide for anyone seeking a job in the tech industry. The book is specifically tailored for those who aspire to become a product manager, and it offers advice on every aspect of the interview process, from preparation to follow-up. Lin provides detailed strategies for answering common product management interview questions, such as those related to product design, metrics, and customer development. https://amzn.to/3kolPww

Develop in the PM role

Concrete examples, tips & tricks

"Product Management in Practice" by Matt LeMay is a comprehensive guide to the product management discipline. The book covers every stage of the product development process, from identifying customer needs to launching and iterating on a product. LeMay provides practical advice on how to work effectively with cross-functional teams, prioritize product features, and measure success. He also emphasizes the importance of a strong product culture and provides tips on how to foster it within an organization. https://amzn.to/3xKij2u

"The Product Book: How to Become a Great Product Manager" by Josh Anon and Carlos Gonzales de Villaumbrosia is a comprehensive guide to becoming a successful product manager. The book covers every aspect of the product management role, from user research and ideation to product launch and growth. Anon and Gonzales de Villaumbrosia provide practical advice, case studies, and frameworks to help readers develop their product management skills and build successful products that meet customer needs. - https://amzn.to/3KuwNez

Setting goals

"Measure What Matters" by John Doerr is a guide to implementing the Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework, which has been used by some of the most successful companies in the world, including Google and Intel. The book provides practical advice on how to set and measure goals that are ambitious, transparent, and aligned with the company's overall mission. Doerr shares real-world examples and case studies to show how OKRs can drive innovation, collaboration, and performance within organizations. https://amzn.to/3kiX4lt

"Outcomes Over Output" by Joshua Seiden is a guide to shifting from a traditional output-focused approach to product development to one that prioritizes outcomes. Seiden argues that measuring success by output, such as the number of features released, often leads to building products that fail to meet customer needs. Instead, he provides practical advice on how to define and measure outcomes, which are the changes in customer behavior or business metrics that products are intended to achieve, and how to use them to guide product development. https://amzn.to/3xNNLNf

Doing Discovery

"Sprint" by Jake Knapp is a practical guide to the design sprint, a five-day process for solving big problems and testing new ideas. Knapp, who developed the sprint process at Google, provides a step-by-step framework for running a successful sprint, including techniques for ideation, prototyping, and user testing. The book includes case studies and real-world examples to show how companies have used the sprint process to innovate and create successful products. https://amzn.to/3Iy2rp0

"Continuous Discovery Habits" by Teresa Torres is a guide to creating a sustainable and effective product discovery practice. Torres emphasizes the importance of continuously gathering and incorporating customer feedback throughout the product development process. She provides practical advice on how to conduct user research, prioritize features, and align cross-functional teams around a shared product vision. The book includes case studies and frameworks to help readers develop their product discovery skills and build successful products that meet customer needs. https://amzn.to/3knUHxz

Collaboration by working with …

… user stories

"User Story Mapping" by Jeff Patton is a guide to creating user-centric product roadmaps using the user story mapping technique. Patton argues that traditional feature-focused roadmaps are often ineffective because they do not take into account the user's perspective. Instead, he provides practical advice on how to map out the user journey, organize user stories into themes, and prioritize features based on user needs. The book includes case studies and examples to show how user story mapping can help teams build successful products that meet customer needs. https://amzn.to/3m3h6AU

… feature documents

"Epic Alignment" by Nils Janse is a guide to aligning product strategy with company objectives using the "Epic" framework. Janse argues that successful product development requires a clear understanding of how products support overall business goals. He provides practical advice on how to identify and prioritize "Epic" initiatives, which are high-level projects that align with company objectives, and how to use them to guide product development. The book includes case studies and real-world examples to show how companies have used the Epic framework to drive innovation and growth. https://amzn.to/3Exrqr2

… roadmaps

"Product Roadmaps Relaunched" is a practical guidebook that provides a new approach to product roadmapping that enables teams to build better products. The authors provide a step-by-step framework that helps product managers and their teams to create effective roadmaps that align with business goals, customer needs, and market trends. The book also includes case studies, templates, and tips for managing stakeholders and communicating roadmap decisions. https://amzn.to/41dEUSy

Changing user behavior

"Badass: Making Users Awesome" is a unique approach to designing products that focuses on creating passionate and engaged users. The book offers a blend of theory and practical advice on how to build products that help users to achieve mastery and become "badasses" in their field. Kathy Sierra uses examples from gaming, sports, and music to illustrate her ideas and provides a comprehensive framework for designing products that deliver real value to users. https://amzn.to/3ILmssj

"Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" is a guidebook that provides a framework for building products that can create user habits. The author, Nir Eyal, presents the Hook Model, a four-step process that involves triggering, action, variable rewards, and investment, to help product designers create addictive experiences for users. The book also includes case studies and practical tips for applying the Hook Model to design products that keep users engaged and coming back for more. https://amzn.to/3YWeDXs

Develop into a product leader

"Empowered" by Marty Cagan is a guide to creating a successful and effective product organization. Cagan argues that to build great products, companies need to empower their product teams to make key decisions and take ownership of their work. The book provides practical advice on how to structure teams, foster a culture of experimentation and learning, and create a product vision that inspires and aligns the organization. https://amzn.to/3m3Y1hK

"Escaping the Build Trap" by Melissa Perri is a guide for organizations looking to shift from a feature-focused mindset to a more customer-centric approach to product development. Perri argues that too often, companies fall into the "build trap," where they prioritize building more features over delivering value to customers. She provides practical advice on how to break free from this cycle, including techniques for conducting user research, defining a clear product strategy, and empowering teams to experiment and learn. https://amzn.to/3m1PYSM

Product Lifecycle Phase

Early Phase

"The Lean Product Playbook" is a practical guidebook that provides a step-by-step process for building successful products. The author, Dan Olsen, introduces the Lean Product Process, a six-step framework that helps product managers to identify customer needs, test product ideas, and iterate quickly based on feedback. The book also includes case studies, examples, and practical tips for applying the Lean Product Process to build products that meet customer needs and drive business growth. https://amzn.to/3KtrPi9

"The Lean Startup" is a groundbreaking book that introduced the concept of Lean Startup methodology, a scientific approach to building and scaling startups. The author, Eric Ries, emphasizes the importance of validated learning, rapid experimentation, and iterative development in creating successful businesses. The book provides practical advice and case studies for applying Lean Startup methodology to validate product ideas, measure progress, and pivot when necessary to achieve product-market fit. https://amzn.to/3ZaQwUy

"Value Proposition Design" is a practical guidebook that provides a framework for creating compelling value propositions that resonate with customers. The author, Alex Osterwalder, introduces the Value Proposition Canvas, a tool that helps product managers to understand customer needs, define value propositions, and test product-market fit. The book also includes case studies, examples, and practical tips for applying the Value Proposition Canvas to build products that create real value for customers. https://amzn.to/3YXDuKj

Scale-up Phase

"Crossing the Chasm" is a classic business book that provides a framework for understanding and navigating the challenges of marketing new technologies to mainstream customers. The book introduces the idea of the "chasm," a gap between early adopters and the mainstream market, and provides strategies for bridging this gap. The author, Geoffrey Moore, also presents a framework for creating a marketing message that resonates with the needs and values of mainstream customers. https://amzn.to/3xNJNEo

The Unprecedented User Experience of Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring with Wearables

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and high blood pressure is a major contributor to this problem. Until recently, monitoring blood pressure meant visiting a doctor, clinic or hospital and undergoing an invasive procedure with a bulky and uncomfortable cuff. Or measuring 24 hr profiles using a complicated system of cuff and pump taped to your body which made raise your bloods pressure just by the pure fact of irritating your body and comfort. 

However, advances in technology have changed the game, and continuous blood pressure monitoring is now possible with the use of an optical sensor wearable bracelet such as Aktiia - for example.

What is Aktiia?

Aktiia is a new generation wearable device - classified as a medical device - that continuously monitors blood pressure. It uses a unique technology based on photoplethysmography (PPG), which measures blood flow by shining light through the skin and detecting changes in blood volume. The device is worn on the wrist and can be worn 24/7, providing a continuous stream of data on the wearer's blood pressure.

This bracelet helped me to get my blood pressure - after episodes of unhealthy peak levels, and high night pressure - back under control.

The Unprecedented User Experience

The user experience of continuous blood pressure monitoring with Aktiia is truly unprecedented. With its sleek and comfortable design, the device can be worn at all times, providing constant monitoring of the wearer's blood pressure. This means that any changes in blood pressure can be detected and recorded immediately, allowing for early detection of any potential problems.

One of the biggest advantages of Aktiia is the ease of use. The device is simple to set up, and the accompanying app provides a user-friendly interface for tracking blood pressure and other health data. The app also provides personalized insights and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making it easier for users to stay on top of their health.

Another significant benefit of Aktiia is the ability to provide data in real-time. The device sends data wirelessly to the accompanying app, allowing users to see their blood pressure readings in real-time. This information can be used to make informed decisions about their health, such as adjusting medication or lifestyle changes.

Finally, Aktiia is also convenient for busy individuals. Unlike traditional blood pressure monitoring methods, there is no need to schedule appointments or visit a clinic. The device can be worn wherever the user goes, providing constant monitoring and data collection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solutions such as Aktiia offer an unprecedented user experience for continuous blood pressure monitoring. With its sleek and comfortable design, ease of use, real-time data collection, and the ability to provide personalized insights, such wearable diagnostics devices are set to revolutionize the way people monitor and manage their blood pressure. Whether you're an individual concerned about your health or a healthcare professional looking for a more efficient way to monitor your patients, Aktiia provides a new and exciting solution.

Usability of Hangers in Wardrobes

What are key success factors for hangers in wardrobes?

Factors that contribute to the usability of a hanger in a wardrobe include:

1. Material: The material should be strong enough to support the weight of the clothing and durable enough to withstand repeated use.

2. Size: The size should be appropriate for the type of clothing being hung and fit comfortably in the wardrobe.

3. Shape: The shape should allow for easy access to the clothing and prevent the clothing from sliding off or becoming tangled.

4. Hook design: The hook should be sturdy and allow for easy hanging and removal of the clothing.

5. Space efficiency: The hanger should take up minimal space in the wardrobe to maximize storage capacity.

6. Aesthetics: The hanger should be visually appealing and complement the aesthetic of the wardrobe.

7. Price: The hanger should be affordably priced and provide good value for the cost.

In our wardrobe we have this one model of black hangers. - And I hate them for one reason!

Testing on above essential requirements:

1. Material: metal, black painted, ... all good - except that they make quite a bit of noise when hanging jackets or coats. The design makes them behave like a tuning fork in music.

2. Size: pretty much standard, ... all good - an given the lean design they are light enough.

3. Shape: basically there is no issue with the shape - except that one detail! - but let's cover that later.

4. Hook design: also here, basically no issue - it hangs very well to the wardrobe rail - except that one detail! - ...

5. Space efficiency: here, the model under discussion is exceptionally good. Absolutely no space is wasted on the rail.

6. Aesthetics: visually - I like it!

7. Price: for a designer piece, it was very affordable.

But now, that one usability issue which makes this product a total failure:

In the process of unhanging jackets I struggle each and every time with that little opening in the hanger, next to the hook. the way you would normally hang a hanger to the wardrobe rail, this opening is a true trap in the process!

    

Every time my jacket gets stuck and trapped in that little gap and if I do not rip a hole into the fabric of my jacket, I am at least well irritated and busy to get my jacket off.

Now, many people tell me - "don't stress out, just take both of you hands when taking a jacket off the hanger, or hang the hanger the other way around to the rail, ...".

NO! As a user I don't want to use both of my hands, because usually I have keys, a bag, or something else in my other hand. 

And, NO! I don't want to hang them the other way around. Why on earth should I?

In conclusion: another example of a household piece designed for aesthetics and not to serve its maximum purpose in the end user's process.