The 3 Lessons Mr. Spock Can Teach us About Web Development

1. Logic over Emotion

2. Mind Meld for Success and Progress

3. Live Long and Prosper

Logic over Emotion

Web developers are constantly amazed by all the emotional factors that come into play when developing a website for a client. The drive to get it perfect the very first day is staggering and often puts the client in the un-enviable position of trying to “get it all in” And if we are honest it goes both ways. Web Developers are often so psyched about a new piece of tech it gets easy to lose perspective on whether it fits the end user’s goals. So what do you do?

On one side you have a client that's passionate about their brand and knows their idea is going to be the next game changer, but it only works in 2% of browsers. You have a skilled web developer that's ready to launch a bevy of exotic code that will transform the world but possibly have no impact on the end user. . . Who wins? Logic, the answer to this riddle is simple to understand but requires patience and strategy to pull it off.

"I neither enjoy the idea . . . nor am I frightened of it.  It simply exists, and I will do whatever logically needs to be done."

                                    -- Spock, "The Galileo Seven", stardate 2812.7

Instead of letting emotion determine the right action, let the data guide you. We recommend extensive A/B testing. This is the process of serving up 2 different versions of your content for your visitors to consume and see which fares better in analytics. Keep in mind this is not a contest between you and your developer to see who’s right, it’s a partnership with a shared goal of serving your web visitors so well they can’t wait to purchase your services or products.

Mind Meld for success and progress

The Vulcan mind meld is the epitome of empathy. It boils down to this: Can you crawl into your customer's mind and see your website from their point of view? Do you see how they want to buy? Do you see the moment where they want to make progress but were stumped? Are you serving up the right content in the right format? Can you see the moment when you need to ask for the business vs. offer the opportunity to help?

Your success as a site owner hinges upon this simple set of criteria. All the features, benefits, bells and whistles in the world will never overcome not listening. (Ever notice how big Vulcan’s ears are?) The answer to this problem is 3 fold Search, Social, Survey

1. Show up in Search results.

2. Be seen in Social Media Platforms.

3. Survey your guests and asks the right questions and adapt your site accordingly.

Live Long and Prosper

Remember the average shelf life of a website is roughly 3-5 years before technology gets outdated, your competitive landscape changes or you simply get bored with the look. Remember that you are in it for the long haul and today's decisions can be changed and improved upon greatly over time. The most important thing is to get out there. Don't worry, the entire world won't be there the first day you launch your site. You'll have time to figure out the best way, if you stick to it.

And of course if all this isn't your idea of fun, find an agency likes ours that lives to do this stuff every day.

Spruce Up Your Web Life: Chapter 4

It's time to spruce up your ears and eyes, people. Let's take a look at some great music related Internetting today.

First, we have some hip nerdery to play with...

The idea behind this site is bonkers yet so simple you'll wish you thought of it. It's a B-flat art installation on the net. Play one or two or three or all of them together to mix a unique track that is created using user-generated videos from YouTube.

Here's more user-generated awesomeness from the Japanese band Sour. It's been out since 2009, but I'm including it because you need to see it if you haven't. People will look back at this video in a few decades and see it as a prime example of viral video. It literally exploded on the net. Even Pepsi's agency ripped it off.


The Arcade Fire continues to innovate. They're constantly taking web interactivity, video, and music to a new level. Enter your hometown address and enjoy.


And don't forget to dance your ass off while you laugh your ass of with this goofy MC Hammer pants wearing dude. Funny stuff.

Spruce Up Your Web Life: Chapter 3

Some of the oddest/wildest sites I've seen in my surfing come from the same retailer — Uniqlo. U.K. based, Uniqlo is a  fashion-forward clothing company who've made their mark in Asia and Europe and are slowly moving their way to the U.S.. If you want to check them out state-side, head to their flagship store in Soho. There you'll find the trendy, the modern twists on classics and the need-it-now-fuschia-turtleneck-sweater that you didn't realize your closet was missing.

Similarly, did you know you needed a Uniqlock? It's a video clock that tells you what time it is in France while you watch pleasing Asian girls pirouette in Parisian scenes. And there's a store locator built into the clock so you can find the Paris location. Quite useful if you're a world traveler like me! ;)

Uniqlock

The same goes for their Uniqlo Calendar. Get today's date, weather and dose of video game infused classical music while you ingest over saturated footage of hula dancers, mobs and zebras at fast speeds. Plus, you can check out the monthly specials — haha, there are some sales happening during all of this madness, I swear! Try out the Uniqlo Calendar on your iPhone and let me know you think.

Uniqlo Calendar
And here's an interesting way to feature a product line-up using video. Jeans. Watch the video. Spin the models.

Uniqlo UJ
Or make funky loops of people and sounds to celebrate the freedom of expression that T-shirts bring everyone — especially those wearing UTs. Here's mine... what do you think? Hip!

A few other Uniqlo sites to get you exploring:
Uniqlo Grid
Uniqlo Jump
UTweet
Uniqlo Try 

This message has not at all been endorsed by Uniqlo or any of its counterparts, business partners or staff. I did not and will not receive any sweet threads because of it. Though, I wish I would.