Jeff: re: what do you think that would cost? (in reference to adding really cool stuff to the User Interface.
Wow. are you TRYING to stir up the pot?
With your/my background(s) we both already know the answer to that question.
To put it succinctly ... TOO MUCH.
But, since you asked so politely, here are some thoughts off the top of my head.
Trying to force fit new spiffy whiz bang look-and-feel "features" into an existing User Interface is typically a waste of time and money.
If we own a business, how do we decide what to do in our own personal project(s)?
Step 1 is to determine the potential ROI (Return On Investment -- but you knew that acronym).
Meaning, will the new User Interface features be enough to attract new users (and their moolah) to your existing site?
It would have to generate enough new revenue to offset, and hopefully exceed, the R&D cost of the features.
It would also have to offset the opportunity cost of foregoing other more ROI'ish features that won't get implemented because your R&D personnel are tied up reworking the existing product.
Again, typically not a worthwhile venture -- from an economic perspective.
Of course, the above commentary presumes the organization is a for-profit business.
If it's a non-profit organization with the expressed target being to provide employment opportunities for under-employed persons ... while simultaneously being funded by grants that cover the total expense ... well, that's another issue entirely. Go for it.
Frankly, I can't imagine a bunch of "kids" sitting around a video game (yes, adults play them, too) and discussing the various user interfaces of investment forums they visit.
The attraction of investment forums is (hopefully) meaningful discussion of companies/stocks. A user interface is not going to be their primary consideration.
Content is king.
Always has been, always will be.
It is likely that an entire redesign and rewrite of the product would result in a far better user experience. But, the question would be, again, would the ROI make it worth the organization's time and effort?
Unlikely, IMO.
Without some here-to-fore unheard of feature that provides extreme value to investors, attracting new users is nothing but a pipe dream.
So, leave the development of really cool new whiz bang user interface stuff to the over-funded "kids", and avoid adding non revenue generating activities ... you know ... like adding icons to existing products.
Assuming you want to continue (?) making a profit.
Sure is a pretty day.
TED |
