Suggestion to create a beta testing program

[CreativeLeahG]

<mod edit: I split this out from our ongoing discussion about instant downloads>

I am not sure if you already have such a thing, but I wonder re future innovations and newly introduced features Zazzle could have a board of ' creator members' whose questions, thoughts and advice have proved helpful in previous forum discussions. Before things 'go live', feedback, suggestions and trouble shooting concerns could be discussed and opinions sought.

Having the feedback after things go live is costly I feel (time, productivity etc.). 

I always assumed such a group did exist (perhaps with Diamond members) because it seems logical and practical, but on the off chance it doesn't, this could be something helpful to Zazzle and members going forward. I appreciate we can't all be involved in 'pre-live' feature discussions.

Thank you for considering this if it's not already a thing.

[CreativeLeahG]

delete, posted in wrong forum

[Scott]

We already do some of this (focus groups, user acceptance testing, beta testing, etc). Back in our old HQ we had a few rooms set up specifically for people to come in and use our various products. Sometimes it we would bring someone who's never used Zazzle and ask them to perform a series of actions, and other times we would bring in a seasoned Creator and speak with them about how we can improve our tools. I'm not usually a part of user testing, so I can't attest to the frequency or scope, but I can say that we've certainly employed these practices in the past.

[CreativeLeahG]

Thank you @Scott I did suspect as much as it's pretty normal but wanted to put it out there just in case.

[Connie]

@CreativeLeahGA focus group wouldn't do any good if it only included people who are biased toward a particular idea, in this case digital downloads. Naturally they would ignore or overlook any negative consequences. There are many different niches on Zazzle, catering to different target markets, and what is helpful for one, might be highly detrimental to another.

[CreativeLeahG]

@Connie, as Scott has confirmed they already have focus groups. As such 'my suggestion' is not required. I am happy to know these things are indeed already in place.