Comments on: Mobile Application Development And Consumers – Going From Workflows to Lifeflows

By: Christine

Christine — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:00:47 +0000

I see this post is from a couple of years ago and I’m wondering if you have done anything else with lifeflows. (sorry – bit too lazy here to do a search).

As you mention, I too do not see a difference between workflow and lifeflow. The only difference that matters is roles and context. Both of these process types are event driven, there are just different types of events. As always, with each type of event there is a certain amount of input or information that must be had to initiate it and the output typically starts a related or different event in the same or different flow.

From a development standpoint, I strugle with a large majority of opinions that think mobile is different somehow from every other software application. It requires the same rigour used with developing any Human Computer Interface (HCI). The nice thing about mobile is that you know so much more about the user because the context the application is running in. With this data, you can make several assertions as part of a process that are not available with a bolted down traditional HCI. The new data offers new possibilities to improve processes. Using this data efficiently is where the value is for enterprises.

By: Of Context and Content

Of Context and Content — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:04:55 +0000

[...] is where the lifeflows and workflows idea may come in [...]

By: Always On Real-Time Access » Carnival of the Mobilists #195

Always On Real-Time Access » Carnival of the Mobilists #195 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:53:09 +0000

[...] Jose from Mobile Strategy writes about mobile application development. [...]

By: CAS

CAS — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:34:44 +0000

Always the “thinker” Jose! I like that you keyed in on value. And perhaps we should start development of value back to a framework such as ITIL where value from a customer perspective requires both utility (functionality or fit for purpose) and warranty (robustness or fit for use). I would argue that many mobile applications are lacking in value based on these criteria. In fact, many mobile platforms are lacking in value from an enterprise perspective. Unfortunately, there is not a structured mobile framework for both service development and management in the mobility space. If there is one out there I would love to hear about it, otherwise it sounds like a great project.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:58:24 +0000

It is quite obvious that Workflow is important, and by looking at the application from the field workers perspective is a must. But the idea of a Lifeflow is something I have never considered before. Interesting.

By: Chris Grayson

Chris Grayson — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:47:15 +0000

I look forward to seeing consumer mobile apps mature. I think augmented reality will prove to be a part of that. However, I hope to see more sophistication in that space as well, beyond personal navigation guides gone HUD.

I’ve been encouraging pharma/healthcare clients to consider mobile applications as part of their program — as a real and sincere value-add to those they treat. Healthcare clients are poised to be a tip-of-the-spear industry to bring serious-minded applications to the mobile space. We need to lift the bar higher than the “pull my finger” apps that currently litter the app store.

I came to read this story after David Eads (@eadsd) gave it a Tweet.