The Hot Iron

Monday, November 09, 2009

Analogy Of Buying A Car And Web Site Scope

When it comes to explaining the process and elements of Web design and development, I find myself using analogies to the real world. Though they sometimes feel cliché to me, they do help many clients and prospects to understand what they are about to get into.

One common one is comparing the scope of a Web site project with buying a car. Imagine going into an auto superstore or an extensive used car store and a salesperson asks, “can I help you?” This scenario is similar to when someone comes to me and states, “I want a Web site but I don’t know where to start.”

Many of the same considerations come into play, and here’s a few of them matched up.

Car – How many people do you need to transport?

Web – How large is your firm/organization?

Car – What accessories do you want?

Web – What features do you want for the Web site, such as eCommerce, blog, etc.?

Car – Are you the only driver or are there others?

Web – Will others be maintaining the information on the Web site?

Car – Do you have a trade-in?

Web – Do you currently have a Web site?

Car – What is your budget?

Web – What is your budget?

There are many others I have used, but these examples help both the Web site owner and the consultant to determine the scope of the Web site, including features, functionality and content. I also have other analogy categories I will share another time.

Do you find analogies of this sort helpful?

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Posted by Mike Maddaloni on 11/09 at 11:44 PM
Business • Technology • (1) Comments • Permalink •

Great post! I often use the automotive analogy with my clients to help them better understand what’s involved in getting webwork done.

Its also helpful to let them know that certain features ARE basic add-ons—for instance, adding a blog is like adding a baby seat, not a big deal; but changing a static site to a dynamic CMS is like swapping engines, major expense that must be carefully considered against purchasing a new car outright.

Perhaps in another ten years, the language of web development will reach ubiquity, but then again, I thought that would happen 8 years ago!

Besides, the constant churn of web technology enables us to keep leasing new cars while explaining ‘car analogies’ to our clients!

Comment by Patrick Elward
on 12/02/09 at 03:50 PM
 

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