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The Wow Factor, Japanese-Style

As product managers, we talk about the Wow Factor in Kano analysis and requirements writing … but there’s “wow” and then there’s WOW.


Image courtesy: Bandai corporate blog

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the anime series “Mobile Suit Gundam”, Bandai created a 60-foot-tall, in-scale replica of the legendary RX-78 mecha.


Image courtesy: Danny Choo

As if that’s not impressive enough–and, brother, that’s pretty damn impressiveBandai also included head movements, light-up eyes, random bursts of steam, and mechanical sound effects.


Image courtesy: Pink Tentacle

Check out the movement and other practical effects in this video clip:

Which Begs The Question…

What have you done to surprise & delight your customers lately?

New Around Here?

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11 comments

1 guahanweb { 06.16.09 at 2:58 pm }

One of the coolest things I’ve seen EVAR!!! Wow. Just WOW, Bandai. http://bit.ly/5C1QL #bandai #gundam

This comment was originally posted on Twitter

2 PuristProductManagement { 06.16.09 at 3:00 pm }

I solved a problem that they’d lived with for so long, that they didn’t even recognise it as a problem – and for that they love my product, despite its kinks :)

3 AlenZukich { 06.16.09 at 3:03 pm }

Wow…RT @chriscummings01: Oh, yeah; did I mention there’s now a 60-foot tall robot in Japan? http://bit.ly/giantRobotInJapanForReal

This comment was originally posted on Twitter

4 Chris Steele { 06.17.09 at 8:31 am }

WOW! Great post Chris.
You really know when you get the “wow” from a customer, even if they don’t shout out they often “ooh” and “ahh”, or nudge each other. You just know that you’ve turned their world upside down in that moment!

5 Christopher Cummings { 06.17.09 at 2:08 pm }

@PuristProductManagement – That’s awesome: When customers find high value in an offering despite its faults, you know you have a good product with loyal customers :-)

@Chris – I think the big “WOW!” is really rare. But there are quieter moments that can be just as moving–where you know that a connection has been made, and the customer has fallen in love with your product.

6 Patrick { 06.17.09 at 7:22 pm }

What great photos – thanks!

7 Jim_Holland { 06.18.09 at 1:24 pm }

Does your #prodmgmt have a WOW factor? by @chriscummings01 http://bit.ly/5C1QL

This comment was originally posted on Twitter

8 BaskarG { 06.18.09 at 5:41 pm }

Check this out….Product Management Meets Pop Culture http://bit.ly/5C1QL

This comment was originally posted on Twitter

9 theschnack { 06.19.09 at 12:51 am }

My kid & I go ‘whoa’ @BaskarG: Check this out: Product Mgt Meets Pop Culture (at @chriscummings01 site: http://bit.ly/5C1QL ) #prodmgmt

This comment was originally posted on Twitter

10 DB { 06.28.09 at 11:30 am }

WANT!

11 Brooke Richards @ Japanese Pop { 08.06.10 at 10:14 am }

In ourcompetitive world unless we differentiate our product with wow factors there is very less chance to gain customer roylty. It is not just about new technology, functionality, cost and quality but also to help your customer when they need support.

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