Comments on: A Startup Finds That Metrics Don’t Create Good Apps

By: Arthur Skilano

Arthur Skilano — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:07:14 +0000

I definitely agree that metrics cannot be the only thing they look at. But I know the Lolapps guys and they use analytics extensively, they are very hardcore data driven, and to the point more than I have seen at other companies. It’s hard to imagine that they are only going to an indicator of fun? I am sure they are just using good product management skills in assessing the right social, data, and product features.

By: Liz Gannes

Liz Gannes — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:05:57 +0000

That’s absolutely what they’re saying, but it’s an important shift given they had so much success with growth through analytics. Now they are making decisions where they’re being led by fun, not the algorithm.

By: Rian

Rian — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:29:06 +0000

Hi Liz – you mention: “However, at least one startup, Lolapps, is finding that data isn’t everything, and is now switching its strategy to rich social-game development, hiring experienced game designers and conducting user tests where the goal is maximizing fun.”

I don’t think they’re throwing data out, they just realized that data from one source only cannot effectively guide product strategy. Quantitative data like web analytics can tell you WHAT is happening on your site, but it cannot tell you WHY it’s happening. Combining WHAT data methods (like Analytics) with WHY data methods (like user testing) is a much better approach to help improve online experiences, and it sounds like that’s what they’re doing. Hopefully it works!

By: irfan

irfan — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:22:59 +0000

Lolapps game hopefully can give to those who play it inspiransi