As a product designer with over 8 years of experience in the industry, I can attest to the importance of hands-on training for any product company. From my time working at various companies, I have seen first-hand how hands-on training can significantly impact the success of a product and the overall productivity of a team.
One of the most significant benefits of hands-on training is that it allows designers and developers to develop a deeper understanding of the product they are working on. When they physically interact with a product, they can better understand its limitations and potential for improvement. This understanding allows them to make more informed decisions about how to improve the product, resulting in a more successful final product.
Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.
-Steve Jobs
Furthermore, hands-on training allows both designers and developers to develop their problem-solving skills. As they work with a product, they often encounter challenges and obstacles that they must overcome. By working through these challenges in a hands-on setting, they can develop their problem-solving skills and become more proficient at finding solutions to problems. This is an essential skill for product designers and engineers, as they will likely encounter many obstacles during the product development process.
Additionally, hands-on training allows for more efficient collaboration among team members. When they can physically interact with a product, they can more easily share their ideas and feedback with other team members. This leads to more productive meetings and a more cohesive team, as everyone is on the same page and can better understand each other’s perspectives.
However, hands-on training can also present some challenges, such as the need for expensive equipment and the potential for damaging prototypes. This is where cloud labs come in. Cloud labs are virtual environments that allow users to interact with a product in a simulated setting. This eliminates the need for expensive equipment and reduces the risk of damage to prototypes.
In addition, cloud labs allow for more flexibility in terms of location and accessibility. They can access a cloud lab from anywhere if they have an internet connection. This is particularly beneficial for remote teams or teams with members located in different parts of the world.
Furthermore, cloud labs can be used for remote training and collaboration. They can access the same virtual environment and work together in real-time, regardless of their physical locations. This allows for more efficient collaboration and can save a lot of time and money on travel.
So, to conclude, I would say that hands-on training is essential for any product company, as it allows designers to develop a deeper understanding of the product, improve their problem-solving skills, and collaborate more efficiently with their team members. However, hands-on training can also present some challenges, such as the need for expensive equipment and the potential for damaging prototypes.
Cloud labs provide an excellent solution to these challenges by allowing designers and developers to interact with a product in a simulated setting. This increases flexibility and reduces the risk of damage to prototypes. In my experience, a combination of hands-on training and cloud labs is the preferred approach to product design and development.