Peoplelex Blog

As we move along different generations of software technology, we tend to learn our interface design from previous generations. We keep some of the good AND bad stuff and come up with entirely new ways that are only native to that medium whether it’s the PC client software, the computer internet or mobile internet.

We, at PeopleLex , are trying to see what we can learn from an earlier generation of downloadable client software.

Our customers love the ease and simplicity of regularly updating thier site, mailing list, Facebook &Twitter profiles by just sending an email to list@peoplelex.com . Our whole view point has been that you don't need to “set up” or sign up to actually use our service. All you need to do is either email your CV to cv@peoplelex.com  or just email us at list@peoplelex.com  to get going.

But, one of the problematic and frustrating areas for customers, even though we are a web based service, is that there is an expectation that one has to "set up their site" before they can get going. In a certain respect, what our customers feel is right. After they have started using the service and are willing to make a commitment to sign up to make use of more advanced features, the service abruptly feels like "oh is that it?"

In some ways, that is a good sign- there is nothing more to do- but in other ways to get the best use of your site, you do need to perform a certain set of actions –i.e. Inviting your friends to join your mailing list, connecting to your Facebook & Twitter profile or buying a Domain. Currently, our service feels as if each of those elements is disjointed and our customers need to hunt for each of them separately.

So, is there a model to learn from Downloadable client software?

The first thing one does after downloading software is "Set It Up", where it’s a series of instructions along the "Yes/No/Check>Next" model which maybe cumbersome for a person to do. But, the good thing is that a motivated user of the software will find the steps are clear, focused and task oriented. Sticking with a defined path is easy even if it takes more steps then leaving a person to "figure it out".

Perhaps, could we employ a similar model where after signing up, our customer will go through a series of "Set Up" steps that will perform the necessary actions along the following lines:

1. Inviting your friends to join your mailing list
2. Connect to your Facebook Profile
3. Connect to your Twitter profile
4. Buy your domain

Obviously, the precise progression of these steps will have to be tested to what works best for our customers and even if all of these steps are necessary.

What do you all think? Good idea, Bad idea or “Meh, nothing new its just an old fashioned way of calling it a funnel?”

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