Make your improved version smaller, not bigger

One of the rising forces of social media is Tumblr, a micro blogging platform that I’ve got to admit is well beyond me.

Apparently it’s quite cool, particularly as it’s focused on creative types. Given I’ve just got onto Twitter, I think it will be a little while before you see me on it.

I might not know much about Tumblr, but I do love reading about entrepreneurs. The guy behind the site is named David Karp, and he’s one of these self-taught, high school dropout guys that make you sick with envy.

Anyway, one quote I loved from a big profile of Karp in The New York Times concerned developing a new version of the site.

Karp told an investor: “Hey, got a new version coming up – and I took four features out!”

What a great idea. A new product or new idea isn’t necessarily better because its better or more complex or laden with new features that no one will ever use.

A new product idea is only better if it is better for the average user. And that might mean the product needs to get simpler, or cleaner, or easier to use.

Keep the customer in mind at all times.

Get it done – today!