28 Comments

So, conclusion is that we have to know ground realities and user insights before launch a product.. right?

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Sep 8Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Wow, glad I came across this post!

I contribute to Google Maps whenever I can, in my local language. It’s rewarding to see the views my contributions get when I receive email alerts from Google Maps.

There was a meme teasing Google Maps for directing people to a river or canal, but that meme isn’t as popular these days. Maps has improved a lot, especially in small towns, and now even has street view!

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Sep 8Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

It's an amazing read, the solution approach is so empathic. Would somehow like to understand how ethnographic studies at the scale of India's road network is carried out logistically.

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author

I’m not sure I fully understand your question. Ethnographic research pointed at how we could incorporate landmarks into directions and wayfinding in a natural, intuitive way.

The research was not conducted across all of India and didn’t provide specific solutions. Rather, it unlocked “how” Google Maps could adapt to work in India.

The specifics and scaling came next.

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Nov 9Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Hi, I think this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HSYTIEXa5w has plagarized your post.

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author

I appreciate you reaching out. You aren't the first person to alert me to the video with concerns over plagiarism. I felt it too, while watching the video. Per Sai's comment, yes, the video creator does a tiny splash of credit at the end and links to my substack from the video description. But as I watched it, it did feel like someone was stealing my words vs sharing about the story from their own POV.

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It is clearly mentioned at the end of the video that source of the video is this post and the link is also mentioned in the description. That should be fine in my opinion.

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Wow - love this - good old-fashioned ethonographic research wins the race, and stands the test of time. Good on you, Olga!

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Sep 6Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Enjoyed reading this article, gained valuable insights!

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Sep 6Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Ironically big bazaar is no more... But great read!

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Excellent share. Thank you. If you're ever up for it, would love to have you on my newsletter to share your insights.

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author

Sure, I’d be happy to chat.

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Sep 6Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Insightful and inspiring journey. Thanks for sharing.

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Sep 6Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Surprised that Google is letting you share this stuff public-ally. I would imagine they would like to keep such process trade secret. How altruistic of Google!

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Sep 6Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Just wow! Excellent user research and evolution of the product. Highly impressed

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Very insightful

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Sep 6Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Good insights on the thought process and implementation followed for this amazing product :)

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Sep 6Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Great to hear this story, deeply inspiring.

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Sep 5Liked by Elizabeth Laraki

Very insightful, Interesting read!

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Wow,It opened up a new level of thinking for me.

Core knowledge is essential, whether it concerns the product or the user. To effectively address any user problem, it’s crucial to understand the user’s fundamental needs, background, and community or cultural context. Success in one demographic doesn’t guarantee popularity in others, so expanding to new areas requires a deep understanding of the product, the user, and the specific cultural and demographic nuances.

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