Aug
3
Software Demos – Bringing the user on Board
Something I have been working on with people over the last few months is to begin to explain systems during software demos from the perspective of users, as opposed to just demonstrating functionality.
The problem with most software demos is that it shows functionality without showing the user the relevance of the system. The user often cannot attach or see the relevance of the functionality to their job or requirements.
In some way this is why I like the agile practice of user stores which create obvious ways to demo the software to the end user and the project team. In some environments where other forms of development or project management are used the user story is not available to help as a guide line for shaping the demonstration.
So let’s look at what we can do to solve this problem.
Mirror Existing Work-Flow/Process
If its possible compare the proposed process to the existing process and select small elements from the larger process that appear to be time consuming or important; mention and discuss the old process the users will not need to see it demonstrated and then demo the new process.
Its important to engage the users in discussion on the difference to help to bring them in to the demo and to, if you are confident, open up other areas that they are interested. Remember one of the main benefits of doing this is that the users begin to guide the presentation (under control) and it helps to create buy-in.
Show the software through a narrative
One, if not the most interesting and involving, way to present the software is through a narrative with the software being the centre point of the story. I have often used slides to create the outline of what is happening within the narrative. For example a slide with a meeting in the background is one strongest visuals to talk about functionality that records Task (Action Points).
Running through a relevant conversation with the slide on screen helps to relate the environment (context) with the functionality.
It also helps if you have the application being used in the corner of the slide recording the action points as you work thought meeting.
The users will then grasp the functionality and engage because at some level they have seen it with in a context thats relevant even if the example is not entirely relevant to their experience.
Summary
There are several ways to demo software but the best way is to demo the software in the same way that the user will actually use the product and allow as much user involvement as possible.
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