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Show HN: A web-based Excel/Database hybrid

ragic.com

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Re: Show HN: A web-based Excel/Database hybrid

#11

Post by longneckdeer »

chj wrote: post #10
longneckdeer wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, we've worked on A LOT of items from the last submission. The biggest problem was that it's not really easy for people to get started on how to build applications with Ragic. People don't like to read documents, so we added an "Interactive Tutorial". The interactive tutorial takes new users step by step to build a simple application on Ragic, pretty much like how you do it on a flash game or online game. If you c…

I love the idea. the interactive guide is horrible. far from simple. Sorry for being blunt.

Hi, did you run into some problems in the tutorial? Or because the steps of the tutorial is too complex?

Re: Show HN: A web-based Excel/Database hybrid

#12

Post by andrewcross »

It took me a long time to figure out what it actually is. Similar to what other commenters have mentioned, the three things I'd recommend focusing on are:

1) Stupidly simple messaging. To do this, talk to the people that are already using it and ask them how they'd describe it to someone who's not that tech-savvy. Try and phrase what they say as close to word-for-word as you can. "Supercharge your database development" meant nothing to me.

2) A very clear list of use cases/examples. I didn't actually get what it was until I saw the expense report example at the bottom of the page. These examples need to be called out very quickly.

3) A stupidly simple demo before requiring any input. I'd have the call to action say "Try a simple demo" and definitely don't require registration before seeing it. Trying to get me to start a 30-day free trial right away makes me leave the page before I even try a demo.

Re: Show HN: A web-based Excel/Database hybrid

#13

Post by chj »

longneckdeer wrote: post #11
chj wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I love the idea. the interactive guide is horrible. far from simple. Sorry for being blunt.

Hi, did you run into some problems in the tutorial? Or because the steps of the tutorial is too complex?

Yes, I signed up and gave it a try. However, what I expected is a freestyle drag and drop, not a workflow fixed at every step.

Re: Show HN: A web-based Excel/Database hybrid

#14

Post by longneckdeer »

chj wrote: post #13
longneckdeer wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hi, did you run into some problems in the tutorial? Or because the steps of the tutorial is too complex?

Yes, I signed up and gave it a try. However, what I expected is a freestyle drag and drop, not a workflow fixed at every step.

I see. It's freestyle drag and drop after you exit the tutorial. Fixed workflow is only for teaching purpose only.

Re: Show HN: A web-based Excel/Database hybrid

#16

Post by darkxanthos »

andrewcross wrote: post #12

It took me a long time to figure out what it actually is. Similar to what other commenters have mentioned, the three things I'd recommend focusing on are: 1) Stupidly simple messaging. To do this, talk to the people that are already using it and ask them how they'd describe it to someone who's not that tech-savvy. Try and phrase what they say as close to word-for-word as you can. "Supercharge your database developmen…

I second this. Ran into the same problem.

Re: Show HN: A web-based Excel/Database hybrid

#18

Post by longneckdeer »

andrewcross wrote: post #12

It took me a long time to figure out what it actually is. Similar to what other commenters have mentioned, the three things I'd recommend focusing on are: 1) Stupidly simple messaging. To do this, talk to the people that are already using it and ask them how they'd describe it to someone who's not that tech-savvy. Try and phrase what they say as close to word-for-word as you can. "Supercharge your database developmen…

Got it. We've put the simple demo and tutorial as a automatically installed application in your account when you registered.

Looks like we need more clear explanation even before the registration. We tried to focus on the benefits of Ragic to encourage registration, but it looks like it's not clear enough "why" our product can bring this benefit.

Re: Show HN: A web-based Excel/Database hybrid

#20

Post by andrewcross »

longneckdeer wrote: post #18
andrewcross wrote: post #12

It took me a long time to figure out what it actually is. Similar to what other commenters have mentioned, the three things I'd recommend focusing on are: 1) Stupidly simple messaging. To do this, talk to the people that are already using it and ask them how they'd describe it to someone who's not that tech-savvy. Try and phrase what they say as close to word-for-word as you can. "Supercharge your database developmen…

Got it. We've put the simple demo and tutorial as a automatically installed application in your account when you registered. Looks like we need more clear explanation even before the registration. We tried to focus on the benefits of Ragic to encourage registration, but it looks like it's not clear enough "why" our product can bring this benefit.

From a user's standpoint, I think you're focusing too much on trying to get me to register. I won't even get to the demo if it requires me to register.

I get it from your perspective, you want to get their info so you can follow up, etc. It's just risky since a lot of people won't get to the "Aha" moment and will just end up leaving.

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