"Reaction [beta]"

Expensive things must look complex 7 Jun 2007

Oscar Berg says that expensive things must look complex:

"...If you pay a lot for something, then you generally expect it to be advanced (meaning complex), especially when it comes to technology. If it looks really simple, then you are likely to feel ripped off. Where did your money go? To social activities of expensive consultants?

"This way of thinking is also the reason why many CIO/CTOs get dazzled when software vendors are showcasing their advanced (complex) new products or showing PowerPoint presentations about them that are stuffed with 3D boxes, arrows and abbreviations. As a software vendor, you simply cannot sell the latest version of your product to anyone by telling them it has been greatly simplified and that you even removed some of the old features so that it gets more efficient to work with. No, efficiency in the IT industry has since long (since ever?) been synonymous with adding new and more advanced (complex) features. If a vendor would actually simplify a product, then they would instead have to point to all the new and advanced under-the-hood technologies that have been named with mysterious three-letter abbreviations.

"I know this by now - simplicity does not sell. Of course, most users like simple and easy to use applications once they start using them. But before they start using it, someone probably has to pay a lot for it. And it needs to be advanced (complex) if that someone is going to buy it. It is as simple as that."

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5 comments so far

minxlj 7 Jun 2007 01:38 PM

A few exceptions. A lot of luxury brand likes Bang & Olufsen, or Bose have very minimalist, simple components. And even Apple, nothing looks 'complicated' or 'complex'. In fact I think they all succeed because they make it look easy!

Simon 7 Jun 2007 02:11 PM

minxlj: I agree - although I guess that brands like Bang & Olufsen and Bose "get away with it" by emphasizing the complexity of the technology that is "hidden" by their simple UI designs.

Bose, for example, dedicates a whole section of its site to the "technology, science and research" that underpines its products.

John Malisa 4 Aug 2008 02:53 AM

I personally believe that US Americans are falling under the trap of consumerism and need to get a HOLD OF THEMESELVES!!! What are they thinking! Has the world gone mad!!! I wanna wear target and strut it down the street.!!! I JUST WANNA BE HAPPY WITH THE JEANS I'M IN. STUFF U PARIS HILTON!!! I JUST WANNA LIVE!!!!

Indiana Jones 4 Aug 2008 02:58 AM

YO whatup my fellas and sisters i completley agress with John Malissa he has such a good point and truly believe that the world has gone mad!!! What are these people thinking. What are we trying to proove to people i just wanna be happy with jeans in quote John. I really believe that we should be judged on our personality not our status. I just wanna live! Stop judging and start accepting. As jesus said don't judge! i really believe in the future of America and just want to live! Dont give me that crap about you dont care because people do so go to hell all of you, you label lovers. Fergie should be exterminated for the song labels or love. you need LOVE not bloody labels. that song should be removed from the charts and her career should be stopped. she is a disgrace to America and i want to slap her if i ever see her.

in conclusions actions matter more then love so stuff all of you label lovers and be happy with the skin you in.

peace out sluts!

Makailee 5 Oct 2011 12:37 AM

Woot, I will cretainly put this to good use!

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