Saturday, September 21, 2024

Magpie syndrome, Shiny Object syndrome, argumentum ad novitatem, Novelty-Seeking Behavior, Feature Creep

When computers first supported color monitors, even though only 16 colors, the trend was use take full advantage of color even though by basic design principles, the use of color was used excessively in ways that would be deemed inappropriate now that color, with vastly more choices, has been the norm.

Shiny Object Syndrome

Shiny object syndrome is the situation where people focus undue attention on an idea that is new and trendy, yet drop it in its entirety as soon as something new can take its place. Also known as magpie syndrome, it is the tendency to be easily distracted by new, exciting opportunities or ideas. Shiny object syndrome is when someone focuses all their attention on something new and current. Usually, this is at the expense of whatever they have or currently doing. In a business setting, shiny object syndrome takes the form of chasing the latest strategy, tactic, or advice making the rounds within the industry. Always chasing the latest trend will leave you distracted and overwhelmed.

Being open and eager for the next opportunity is a good thing, yet it has limits. If receptivity and enthusiasm come at the cost of making accurate, data-driven predictions, the object of focus may be a mirage. People who face a fear of missing out (FOMO) are especially susceptible, as the distraction of shiny objects in themselves clouds judgment and focus.

sources

  • https://dovetail.com/product-development/shiny-object-syndrome/
  • https://everhour.com/blog/shiny-object-syndrome/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiny_object_syndrome

Appeal to Novelty

A related topic is the appeal to novelty (also called argumentum ad novitatem), which is a fallacy where one prematurely claims that an idea or proposal is correct or superior, exclusively because it is new and modern. In a controversy between status quo and new inventions, an appeal to novelty argument is not in itself a valid argument. The fallacy may take two forms: overestimating the new and modern, prematurely and without investigation assuming it to be best-case, or underestimating status quo, prematurely and without investigation assuming it to be worst-case. 

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appeal_to_novelty

Novelty-Seeking Behavior

"It seems like regardless of what I do, my current task is always interrupted by this temptation to do something else. Something seemingly better."

source: https://durmonski.com/psychology/novelty-seeking-behavior/

Feature Creep

And let's realize that shiny object syndrome and novelty-seeking can lead to Feature Creep (a.k.a. scope creep). 

"Always remember to back your decision with good reasoning. For example, whenever stakeholders propose a new feature, evaluate it in accordance with the product vision, value for users and businesses, and the resources required to build it. Use this reasoning to explain to them why it does not make sense to add the feature, and the associated costs that come along with trying to add it."

source: https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/feature-creep

OK, this article clearly suffers from feature creep as it covers a plethora of related topics, so it's time to stop and move on to the next new Techy WORD of the Week (sarcasm).