Originally Posted - October 18, 2007 – 7:35 pm
I like to think that I’m quite up on new technologies, especially when it comes to the Internet. Now i find myself placed in an environment, where the future does not have to be just ideas. Instead, we take the ideas and get on to it. Full steam ahead!! A great place to start for our regular “Research and Development” (R&D) sessions.
That’s why I’ve decided to write my first blog on Research & Development. R&D being an integral part of the long-term success in any business, especially anything to do with the Internet.
Everyday the Internet is changing. New websites are now a part of everyday life. I’m forever hearing about this “amazing” site, that is going to amaze me in some way, shape or form.
But, it’s not the new websites that amaze me so much, it’s the existing ones that unleash a whirlwind of brand spanking new technlogy on the user that i like. R&D is for the long-term business, making their product(s) that much better than the rest.
Well for existing brands like myspace, R&D is essential. How can they sustain millions of users? What’s going to stop the user from getting tired of the same monotonous structure. Well further development of their existing structure ofcourse. With something that not only “WOW’s” the user but actually increases their user experience. Making their internet experience slightly less of struggle.
Myspace have recently added a whole lot of new functionality to their website. Adopting many of the facebook conventions. So what have they done here? They’ve identified key market competitors, found out what their strengths are and then embraced them into their existing site.
Without r&d this wouldn’t of been possbile. If myspace worked 24/7 on the maintenance of their site, fixing bugs and generally enjoying life on top, they’d be in for a bumpy ride.
It’s hard to get to the top, but to stay on top is going to be an even bigger challenge.
This is where we begin to get to a definition for r&d (with regards to websites). In my opinion r&d should bring two things to the table.
First and foremost, modern technology that knocks the user off their chair. End of. There’s no point implementing it if the user can’t even notice it.
Secondly, introducing this new technology should bring speed. Speed is critical. I believe every single internet user hates having to wait for a single second more than they have to and us developers are here to try and keep that to a minimum.
This is what r&d SHOULD do. Bringing character and life to what should be an enriching web experience. Far, far away from being slow and boring.
In short, “The web changes and so should your site”.
Right, so the first blog is done. With many more to follow. Apologies for the length but it’s a topic i enjoy….
I leave with this question, Where would we be without R&D?