Software & Systems Modelling

Where Gamification Can Take You and How to Avoid the Dangers on the Way

9 Oct '18

Gamification is often misunderstood as trivializing tasks or being aimed only at gamers. In reality, it enhances engagement and interaction by making processes more enjoyable and competitive, regardless of gaming experience. It's about improving user interaction without compromising task clarity. Successful gamification requires ongoing adaptation based on user data and frequent content updates to sustain interest. However, it's crucial to avoid relying on gamification as a quick fix for poor management; it should complement and enhance well-managed processes rather than replace them.

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Managing Scope Creep with the Variation Metric

9 Oct '18

Scope creep, a common issue in project management, occurs when small, incremental changes or unclear stakeholder requirements impact a project’s scope. It can be managed through a variation metric, which measures how much requirements change during a sprint compared to the original scope. At WorkingMouse, this metric helps identify and manage scope creep by flagging projects based on the level of variation. Effective management includes reviewing project communication, managing expectations, and halting the build if changes exceed manageable thresholds. Properly addressing scope creep helps maintain project focus and efficiency.

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Why You Should Use UX Flows and Prototypes When Starting App Development

9 Oct '18

Project managers often have abstract app ideas but lack the creative skills to visualize them. UX flows and prototypes help bridge this gap. UX flows use wireframes to outline user experiences, with low-fi versions showing basic layouts and high-fi versions detailing design elements. Prototypes then bring these flows to life, either as clickable mockups or semi-functional demos. Tools like InVision are used for prototyping, which helps in refining user interactions and interface appearance. Collaborating with UX designers ensures effective translation of ideas into functional applications.

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Learn How to Slide Through to Success!

4 Apr '18

At WorkingMouse, we use a Success Slider tool to help project stakeholders agree on success criteria by prioritizing scope, cost, time, and quality. This tool ensures all parties understand and accept the trade-offs and flexibility needed in each area. By discussing and shading the Success Slider, partners clarify their priorities and set realistic expectations for project outcomes. This approach helps us manage conflicts and make informed decisions throughout the development process.

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Anticipatory Design: The Future of UX Design

6 Apr '17

The data revolution is reshaping industries like the Industrial Revolutions once did. Anticipatory Design uses data to predict user needs and improve UX, seen in tools like Spotify's recommendations. As machine learning and IoT advance, this data-driven approach is becoming essential in design.

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Flexible Software Licensing Models Set to Take Over

27 Mar '17

By the end of 2017, organizations are expected to shift from perpetual software licenses to subscription-based models. With traditional software licensing becoming outdated, new models like subscription-based, usage-based, and performance-based licensing are gaining popularity. Subscription models, such as Microsoft Office’s, are now common, offering flexibility and ongoing access. Usage-based licenses charge based on consumption, while performance-based licenses link costs to specific outcomes. These new models cater to modern users and can be adjusted or combined based on how users interact with the software.

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How UX Research and Prototyping Helps Businesses Grow

23 Mar '17

Prussian Field Marshal Moltke's adage "no plan survives contact with the enemy" applies to software development, where unforeseen issues often arise. Agile development addresses this by emphasizing flexibility and iterative design. One key method is prototyping user flow, which maps out how users interact with a product and helps align user and business goals. Wireframes, as low-fidelity prototypes, are crucial for early feedback and iterative improvement, ensuring better UX and ultimately a more successful product.

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Software Licensing: Why It’s Important and How It Can Help You

12 Jul '16

Software licensing defines how software can be used and shared. Key types include EULAs, subscriptions, and white-labeling. It’s important to understand licensing to ensure legal use and avoid unnecessary costs. For custom software, verify intellectual property rights and third-party tool licenses.

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The Jump to Using Agile for Application Development

5 Jul '16

Agile development, favored for its adaptability, replaces the old waterfall method by using iterative sprints for continuous feedback and improvement. Key benefits include reduced costs and quicker market readiness. To maximize Agile's effectiveness, customize it to fit your business, consider variable sprint lengths, and integrate Lean principles. Agile also complements cloud migration by allowing gradual, iterative transitions. WorkingMouse enhances Agile with software bots to speed up development.

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WorkingMouse and MEC Mining Rock the Unearthed Hackathon

7 Mar '16

A hackathon brings together diverse experts to quickly prototype and pitch solutions. At the Unearthed Hackathon in Brisbane, WorkingMouse and MEC Mining tackled a challenge on sample supply chain custody, creating a GPS-enabled device and real-time tracking system. Using WorkingMouse’s low-code platform, they rapidly developed a solution with over 90,000 lines of code. Their demo showcased a sophisticated system for tracking samples, including GPS tracking and notifications. The weekend highlighted the potential of tech and innovation in mining, supported by Unearthed's drive to advance the industry.

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