Are you simplifying things for your customers?

Everything about our lives is complicated, noisy and overcrowded.  Which is why we are so drawn to simplicity in design and process.  A large part of the iPhone's success is because of it's simple elegance.

Check out this slideshare presentation based on  John Maeda's book The Laws of Simplicity.  Watch it with a critical eye aimed at your own business.

Simplicity

I think the big question for all of us today is how are we making our clients' lives simpler?  What are you doing to evoke an iPhonic reaction to working with you?

Comments

[MobiusView]

Thanks Drew for using our work!!

We have posted about another example on how simplicity aids innovation on our blog at http://mobiusview.blogspot.com/2008/07/breakthrough-consumer-innovation.html

MobiusView

[Karin H.]

Hi Drew

Simplifying things for your customers is IMHO about 'shortening the decision cycle', removing steps in the buying process.
Doesn't mean your product has fewer buttons, fewer features or fewer anything. If you - the seller, producer - can explain in simple terminology (not dumming down!) what is does/will do/can do etc because you know exactly what you product/service will give your client than you're half way there.
Example? We show over 117 different wood floor types in our showroom and we start by asking our clients questions about their circumstances, interior design style or wishes and their budget. Based on their answers we'll guide them to the most suited product.

Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)

[Drew McLellan]

MobiusView --

Thank you for sharing your creativity with all of us. What a wonderful way to learn!

Drew

[Drew McLellan]

Karin,

So true...simplifying doesn't mean reducing choices in many cases. As you explained, it can be about filtering choices or helping the customer funnel to the right product or service.

I think another way you simplify things for your customers is via all the educational tools you offer. Once they understand their options, they'll find the entire experience more enjoyable, less confusing and simple.

Drew