What features weigh the most when you can’t have it all? Do you choose user interface or functionality? My mother always says that “decision-making is one of the hardest jobs around.” When it comes to system design, it is no different. A high-profile client has tasked me to recommend a system that will not only improve the process and workload management, but also enhance user engagement. But, when evaluating different systems, what features weigh the most when you can’t have it all? Do you choose user interface or functionality? When it comes to the psychology of engaging users, the look, feel and aesthetics of effective interface design is important. Of equal importance is the functionality: Your end users want something that actually works; otherwise you end up with frustrated, negative users who hate the system. It is similar to having a Lamborghini with a beautiful interior but a poor engine. Or, it’s like a comfortable ballroom dance competition dress that lacks the appeal to grab the judges’ attention. Of course, when it comes to system design, there are many other factors: vendor culture, support, compliance, cost, etc. But if all were roughly equal and you were left to choose a system based solely on user interface versus functionality, which would you choose? It’s a very hard decision to make — a sentiment my mom would agree with. Here are two tips to help you ensure a successful implementation when you just can’t have it all. 1. Seek to clarify why your end users need this system and what feature they value most. Example: When designing an aircraft, the functional aspects of the plane (its ability to get passengers to their destination as quickly as possible) are more important than the user-appeal features (comfortable seating, for example). On the other hand, for those competing in a Miss Universe pageant, it is more important for the gown to be appealing rather than functional. 2. Make sure that end users have proper expectations. Example: End users should be informed how the selected system may vary from their initial requests gathered in the discovery phase. If they understand that the system has functionality limited by current technology, but the user interface makes it easier to interact with the system, they could determine workarounds until a better solution arises in the future. If you have the budget to custom-build a system, then you may never need to choose style over substance. But, in most cases, you need to work with what’s out there. The key is constant communication with end users and level-setting — and that never goes out of style. Related content opinion Acquiring new technology: The data intelligence dance You need to bring together teams from different departments and business lines to develop a cohesive implementation approach and achieve group consensus. This process is what I refer to as u201cData Intelligence.u201d By Valeh Nazemoff Sep 05, 2017 4 mins Small and Medium Business IT Governance Frameworks Data Mining opinion 5 tips to help overcome fear of change: It’s going to be (more than) OK Itu2019s unrealistic to think that business users will ever jump up and down when faced with a big technology change. But by using these five tips, you can help them overcome their fears and bravely face new frontiers. By Valeh Nazemoff May 08, 2017 3 mins Business IT Alignment IT Strategy IT Leadership opinion Big thinking at the SSA: Lessons in communication and respect from its departing CIO Rob Klopp, the outgoing CIO of the Social Security Administration, says he's happy with the culture of big thinking that he is leaving behind. By Valeh Nazemoff Nov 01, 2016 4 mins CIO Government IT Small and Medium Business opinion I’ll have what she’s having… Tech design that leads to 'positive' addictions at work Apply the principles of gaming apps to design business applications and activities that make people feel happy and connected. By Valeh Nazemoff Oct 07, 2016 3 mins Small and Medium Business Developer Video Games Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe