CADDManager on May 14th, 2008

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Users have always wanted a voice into the process of creating and refining new features that appear in future releases of software. This desire plays itself out in many ways, but does it actually impact the developers and what they focus their efforts on? The Users like to think so.

Having been associated with AUGI for quite a few years, there have been many user “Wish List” items that have made it into the software. Do these appear because they were on the list or would the developers do them anyway?

My Opinion: The voice of the user matters and it has an impact.

Many software developers listen closely to what the end user has to say. They provide many opportunities to “get involved” in the process. It may be Beta programs, Alpha programs, feedback websites, user interactions, polling, surveys and more.

Here is just what I have seen from Autodesk. If someone knows what the other vendors are doing – please comment and let us know.

Autodesk MyFeedBack Portal – the premiere site for getting involved. Run by Shaan Hurley and company – it is a great way to get your voice heard and get your hands on pre-release software. You can sign up to participate (if accepted) in several ongoing beta programs. Don’t just use this as a way to get a look at the possible next release, they require you to actually give them feedback.

Email them Directly – I mentioned this in a prior post. Just email them – how simple is that?

Autodesk has a Usability Team

From their site…

“Usability is the ease with which you can use a product, and learn quickly in order to accomplish your objectives. Usability feedback sessions provide a venue for you to give feedback and contribute to the development of Autodesk products.

Autodesk is continually seeking people who possess various levels of industry expertise and familiarity with our products. Usability feedback sessions are conducted in the United States as well as internationally and generally take 1–2 hours. Sessions take place at an Autodesk facility or via the Web.

If you would like to participate, please submit. If your information matches an upcoming feedback session, we will contact you.”

This is great way to get connected. I have seen the Usability Lab in San Rafael. It looks like an interrogation room – har har. Far from it though… they have one way glass to watch how you interact with the tools, they do direct interviews, they ask questions, show options and they can do thing remotely – you do not have to leave your office to be involved.

You can also get involved at an AUGI CAD Camp. Many times Autodesk has come to do a “Futures” presentation and gather feedback. They also do this at AU.

With all this being said, does the voice of the customer really matter? Or are they doing these things just to make it seem like it does?

I can honestly say that from my interaction with Autodesk and Bentley and other third party developers, interacting with users is very valuable. Most of these teams look for ways to interact and take the information to heart.

You may not see your “wish” in the next release, but trust me – they are listening.

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