Almost seven years ago, we brought Usability Testessen to Berlin. A group of volunteers simply did it back then – without any intention of making a profit and without knowing whether it would work in Berlin. Since then, we have successfully brought together creators of exciting products (from websites and apps to new toothpaste) with people who want pizza and cold drinks (or just want to see cool new things) .
Just like us back then, people with exciting projects of all sizes come to the free events every time to find out whether their hypotheses work – or not.
Interestingly, however, I have the feeling that the dynamic of ‘just doing it’ is no longer so self-evident today. People ask us what we get out of organising this in our free time. With tight budgets, creators don't dare to let real users try out their products – for fear of finding out that their idea doesn't work (which leads to much more expensive failures). Product ideas are filtered for a viable business model right from the start (which is totally justified in the long run, but can nip innovation in the bud too early).
After the last Usability Testessen event, one participant wrote to us afterwards that he had received ‘brutally honest feedback’ – but also that it was ‘painful but necessary’ in order to further develop his product. Great!
I am in favour of simply trying out more ideas again! Of doing more things again because we simply feel like it!
Theoretical foundations, experience and security are important – but to really get ahead, speed and passion sometimes beat security. And when in doubt, getting early feedback can minimise the fall or help steer the product in the right direction – so what do we have to lose?
Let's get back to ‘doing’ more! Both at work and in our private lives. I believe that the innovation landscape and the meetup scene can benefit from this.
What would you like to try if you weren't afraid of failure?
