The term jitterbug brings to mind a specific dance or dancer, but it also brings to mind someone who has a zest for life and enjoys the simple things life has to offer.
There is a new cell phone company that caters to baby boomers who may have a zest for life, but enjoy an acute sense of simplicity.
It may come as no surprise to learn that this company is called Jitterbug. Their cell phones have a simplified approach that makes it easy for the end user. You won’t find a camera; text messaging or email downloads on Jitterbug. In fact, the most simplified model provides three primary buttons. One button provides a direct link to a towing service of your choice while the second calls the operator. The third primary button calls 911 services. This phone is useful in emergency situations.
This company indicates there was significant research that went into the phone and they spent significant time asking questions of those who might use the phone. The end result was a phone that got back to the basics with comfort features and large, backlit buttons for easy viewing. Jitterbug also offers a more conventional cell phone, but it also relies on simplicity and operates more like the phones most of us use in our homes.
In the world of web design the premise seems to be to work hard to implement significant wow factor in all areas of our site. What Jitterbug has learned in their research may be a benefit to ecommerce web design.
1) What is absolutely essential to web design and function?
2) What features are simply fun, but have no direct application to conducting business?
3) How important are add on features to the performance of an ecommerce store?
4) Are there cluttered areas of the web design that make navigation of the site difficult?
5) Would the web design require significant time for guests to learn?
There are certain sites that do well with hi-tech design elements. These sites generally target a younger demographic. If your site appeals to a broad range of users you may seek to find ways to make it as easy to navigate as possible.
If your site is geared toward mature consumers you might consider developing your site with the same lessons learned by Jitterbug. If you can make things simple, even reluctant users of technology may be willing to see what you have to offer.
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