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September 24, 2004
7 guidelines for better nagware
More and more, software is being designed to nag us: Register your software! Upgrade to a new version! Back up your data! Like it or not, nagware is here to stay. But it doesn't have to be so annoying. To help improve the state of the art, I'm sharing some guidelines for designing effective nagware: 1. Let users choose how and when the nagging occurs (see1. Nag at opportune moments Don't interrupt work flow -- soft nags vs hard nags -- causing you to click to dismiss.
2. point out the benefits of compliance
3. frame it as duty (or some way),
3b. frame it as your helping them
4. Give stats (you've used this . . . )
5. create a quick argument visuallly (dramatic visual of what you stand to gain or lose). -- cost benefit.
6. Let them choose how and when the nagging occurs. Allow users to turn off nags or reset preferences easily Naggine is foten left to engineers -- they don't give much thought, but this nagging ends up being central to your brand. It defines who you are and how you get what you want -- by force or by seduction.
Posted by at September 24, 2004 08:26 AM
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