Putting software to the Mom Test

Thanks to Alec Saunders for pointing me to a post by Jajah’s Don Thorson about building really useful stuff (as in new software, services, gadgets, and whatnot). I was excited because it reads sort of like TheVOIPGirl manifesto (if there was one). Makes me wish I’d written it! Beyond its ability to dazzle, new stuff has to 1) solve a problem, 2) be easy to understand, 3) be easy to get, 4) be easy to use, 5) be easy to share.

For #2, he talks about giving new stuff the Mom test, meaning I assume that if Mom gets it, anybody will. While I object to the idea that Moms are the lowest common denominator–some of the most technical, savvy, and successful gals I know are also Moms–I think I know what he means. I’m a Mom and being one is the most important thing in my life. The flip side of this is that technology is not the priority…at all. I don’t have time to mess around with something that doesn’t meet the five basics.

Don also says that mainstream users need to be spoonfed. Okay..maybe true, but what’s wrong with that? Busy people, Moms and power users alike, need simplicity. Alec, a power user if there ever was one, atests to that as well.

All in all, thanks Don for a great post. Companies that stick to these rules have my vote.