Making Lives Less Cluttered
That’s what software does, right? Helps you plan, manage, log and execute an otherwise incomprehensible and unconnected set of facts and data. Is there a workflow problem? Are tasks not being completed? Does responsibility need to be assigned? That’s what the software is offering – solutions. A simple logo like Nostormo’s ‘log your hours collaborate in design workflow’ catches the attention of a company that needs to streamline its work culture without micro management and hence frayed nerves.
Design
A neat interface is a key to a software’s appeal. The old saying ‘a nice face is worth more than a hundred letters of introduction’ holds true especially in the over-crowded software development market. Nostomo’s functionality and design are clearly displayed on their product for this very reason.
Communication is the Key
Once the software is in place, communicate. All project stakeholders from clients to users need to be on board, and the core functions of the software need to be highlighted. For example, Nostromo makes it clear that you’re using ‘one tool only’ right from planning to results. Clarity on this will also help ward off unrealistic expectations on the part of clients.
Impact Assessment
A constant review of the software’s desired impact is needed – from entry level functionaries to top level management. Any breakdown in the chain of communication needs to be addressed immediately. Therefore, a response team needs to be in place and ready with solutions. It’ll be ideal if on-site, and real-time monitoring can be arranged but needless to say, a quick response can only add to a software support team’s credibility.
Documentation
Learn from failure. So, every step of the way, note down what is going wrong and why. This is an underrated but valuable method of understanding systemic faults, and hence facts and data from previous failures will help you make better decisions in future.
Feedback
Softwares don’t always work as intended. The best programming and algorithms are, at the end of the day, at the mercy of human beings. So always ask for feedback on how to simplify an interface or to streamline a function. Even if the changes that need to be made seem superfluous, make them anyway if it increases the everyday functionality of the software.
Keep An Open Mind
The scope of a project extends and expands every day. Nostromo’s ‘All-in-one project management tool for teams’ wasn’t designed in a day. It probably wasn’t conceived like that, but interaction with key stakeholders would’ve entailed vital re-designs and tune-ups that have expanded the scope of the software to encompass an ‘all in one’ product that is unrecognisable from the one that was conceived and yet richer in features and more complete in its functionality.
Wrap Up
This is extremely important, not just as a PR exercise but to get a sense of the software’s input to the project’s vision. It is also a good opportunity to reflect on one’s work culture and best practices and to get feedback on that. Not only does it help to optimise resources but also indicates on how these resources can be better deployed in future projects.
LSI: Nostromo, workflow problem, work culture, software development, design, real-time monitoring, communication, feedback, documentation, impact, best practices
