Simon on: App overload

App overload is now common because so many aren’t good enough so don’t get used or need updating so often we ditch them. Yet they’re still being hyped.

A recent example was a promotional video for an American convention centre: it was full of hype yet utterly pointless.

The app in question was just for the convention centre, so an attendee has to install that app AND the event app - a great route to failure.

Worse still, the app didn’t offer any real benefits. Sure, you can see a message pointing to a Starbucks a few metres away or watch augmented reality videos if you stop at a sign. The only useful feature was a local transport map which you could probably download easily from a website.

Technology should streamline everyday tasks, enhance activities or make something that was difficult, easy. It shouldn’t try to replace sensory functions like vision.

When it comes to conferences, forget the gimmicks. If you absolutely have to have an app, make sure it provides material that adds to the conference.

Originally published in Conference News