The definition of creep according to Wikipedia is the tendency of a solid material to slowly move or deform permanently under the influence of stresses.
The software you are dealing with is in a constant state of flux leading to multiple changes that may inadvertently lead to user dissatisfaction.
1. Version “creep”—constant upgrading of the software with leads to potentially unwanted changes.
2. “Creeping Elegance” ---- developers seeking the “HOLY GRAIL” of perfect software while detracting from its fundamental utility.
3. Government “Creep”------ new rules every month that forces the software to make changes that may or may not be in the actual user’s interest.
4. Payment “Creep”---“meaningful use” is a classic example of making programmatic changes to reimburse the client for their investment. Whether the purchaser recoups their investment remains to be seen.
5. “Enterprise Creep”---- the institutions purchases an enterprise computer system (full hospital system) not designed for the particular end-user ( i.e. –no specific ED module). This may force a relatively satisfied user to reinvent the wheel.
The goal is to find an end-user friendly product that helps the provider rather than putting up a spider web of obstacles.
"Good stuff. You might consider examples such as Facebook, which recently caused millions of users to go into shock by forcing a new version on people. What is often not taken into consideration is that usage of any program requires the gradual acquisition of somatic habits-what finger goes where, where the eye moves next--which are suddenly lost when a new version appears.
ReplyDeleteThus the user has to re-learn...and it is a cause for consternation. One thing a vendor can do is sufficiently prepare the users for any changes, by lowering expectations about the new issue and anticipating the difficulty of changing ("it will take you some time to learn....do these things X, Y, Z, here, and these A, B, C there......but in the long run you will really like it)."
Submitted by: Dr. Donald Kamens, FACEP