Web 2.0 and the hierarchy of needs

Thanks to RAW STYLUS for pointing us to a great slide show [via Wayback Machine] from eBay’s Rolf Skyberg about Web 2.0’s place in our era:

View more presentations from rolfsky

My prescription: text book exercises

You know you could use a little more discipline in your thinking! Try answering these questions on your personal and company blog. I’d love to hear your answers, so let me know of them.

What part of the hierarchy of needs is your Product meeting?

Think of “Product” as what you’re exerting your effort on, be it a service, physical product, web site, or whatever.

1. Physical Needs
2. Safety Needs
3. Social Needs
4. Esteem Needs
5. Self Actualization

Does your Product cover the base of needs? What does this mean for you?

If you make food, does it meet our basic needs? If you make software, what place in the hierarchy does it fall into?

Can your Product extend into neighboring needs?

Does your expert blog draw in a potential community of like-minded individuals? Does your Product inspire a new way of living life? Is your Product a religion? (Think Apple vs. Microsoft.)

How can your Product reflect these needs?

If you have an audience that would like to socialize with each other, do you have a way for them to do that? Do you convey the level of security that your product brings?

What are you stealing from your customers? How can you stop or reduce the stealing of these things?

Do you have a cumbersome registration process on your web site? Does your automated phone system suck the life out of customers? Could your writing be a little more clear? Do you make people wait in line for hours? What can you do to stop stealing time and well-being from your customers?