API user feedback: why you need it (and how to get it)

The uncomfortable truth about DX: everyone talks about it, and yet only a few get it right. What about you? We know testing and feedback collection can be hard, but we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way: from bug hunting challenges to hackathons, we’ve got a few ideas to share.

Transcript

1. 1 Amadeus For Developers Q1 2019 Update _ SGB-RIV-OIP 1 API user feedback: Why you need it (and how to get it) Maria Garcia Luengo API Days Barcelona 13September 2019
2. Ease of use is the #1 reason for API consumers to choose an API <5% consider “uniqueness” an important factor (The State of API 2019, Smartbear)
3. Developer Experience (DX): Is your API well designed, documented & supported?
4. Amadeus for Developers • Empower innovators and developers worldwide to build, test and launch new and enhanced solutions. • Open developer platform. Instant access to travel APIs, tech tools and resources. Maria Garcia Innovation Strategy & Program Manager, Amadeus for Developers
5. “Design is not what it looks like or feels like. Design is how it works” - Steve Jobs -
6. 6 Power of users’ feedback: 1. Find blind spots
7. 7 Power of users’ feedback: 1. Find blind spots 2. Product roadmap
8. 8 Power of users’ feedback: 1. Find blind spots 2. Product roadmap 3. Validate business
9. Power of users’ feedback: 1. Find blind spots 2. Product roadmap 3. Validate business 4. Build a community
10. API Journey < / > User interviews Concept Design Build Manage
11. User interviews Uncover needs and frustrations • Target customers • Scripted • Open questions – ask “why?” • Online or offline • Short (<30 min)
12. API Journey Concept Design Build Manage < / > Usability test Card sorting Experts
13. Usability test Observe how they use your APIs 1. Define scope + tasks 2. Select >5 testers 3. Think aloud + share screen + webcam 4. Observe, listen, record 5. Incentives (e.g. vouchers)
14. Index card (taxonomies) What does “OPEN API” mean to you? Spec Public Self- service Free of charge Instant access
15. 15 Ask around & find experts 1. Colleagues 2. API Governance 3. External experts
16. API Journey < / > Beta testing Concept Design Build Manage
17. Beta testing Your moment of truth • Production-ready apps • In-depth review • Inconsistencies, performance issues • Limited audience (can be external + internal) & time range
18. API Journey < / > Survey Plug-in Support Metrics Concept Design Build Manage
19. 75% of API users would report API performance / quality issues (The State of API 2019, Smartbear) Open support channels
20. API Journey < / > Hackathon Concept Design Build Manage
21. 21 Hackathons: Developers on steroids!
22. Master the feedback you must Hackathons Unleash the power of your APIs 1. Direct observation 2. Support questions 3. Bug Hunter game 4. Team interviews 5. Surveys 6. Metrics 7. Follow-ups
23. API Journey < / > Usability test Card sorting Experts Beta testing Hackathon Survey Plug-in Support Metrics User interviews Concept Design Build Manage
24. 24 “Your customers are your compass. Listen to their frustrations, and they’ll guide you to your next amazing feature ” - Stephanie Briones, Zapier -
25. Thank you! Thank you! developers.amadeus.com