[Sigia-l] research: when is it enough?

[Tim Salam]

From: "Ziya Oz" <ZiyaOz at earthlink.net>
> I'd say you got bigger problems than your sampling size.

I think David's question is not only valid, but so valid that it is more the
norm than the exception.  The predicament of trying to attain buy-in from
above and working against a cemented managerial belief on something is not
unique to our industry.

Ziya, it's wonderful that you don't have this sort of environment.  Now, for
the rest of us...

I don't think there is any whiz-bang approach that will turn things around
dramatically - these things seem to need a personal investment of time and
study.

For instance, consider preparing a presentation where you discuss a few case
studies supporting your suggested appraoch.  Invite your managers and some
peers to the presentation.  The possible risk?  Everyone feels like you're
wasting their time.  The possible gain? Everyone looks at you and thinks,
"This person really has it together on what they're talking about.  I think
I need to listen more closely."

Otherwise, just go ahead and implement the design with the flashing,
blinking, on-fire logos and whatever.  Wait for a month or two to build up
good usage data.  Then, suggest minute redesigns and implement them, then
compare the usage data.  OH! What's this?  Improvement was made?  Hmm, maybe
we should listen to that guy when he makes his next recommendation.

And thus is the art of credibility building and ally architecture - two
important real-world sciences. :)


Tim Salam
Vice President
Essemble IT Solutions
http://www.essemble.com
480-332-5521