In the fast-paced world of technology, innovation is the name of the game. Companies like Microsoft and Google are renowned for their groundbreaking advancements and cutting-edge features. However, there are times when users notice that companies big and small make changes that seem less about innovation and more about rearranging the digital furniture. This phenomenon, often referred to as “moving the cheese,” can be both intriguing and frustrating for users.

What is “Moving the Cheese”?

The term “moving the cheese” originates from scientific studies involving mice and rats. In these studies, researchers observed how rodents reacted when their food source (the cheese) was moved. The term has since been adopted in the business world to describe changes, moving things in the UI, moving settings, changing the color of icons, changing icons, that disrupt the status quo, often without clear benefits.

The UI Shuffle

When developers at major tech companies find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of what new features to introduce, they sometimes resort to tweaking the user interface (UI). This can involve changing icons, rearranging menus, or altering the layout of applications. While these changes can freshen up the look and feel of software, they don’t always add new functionality or improve user experience.

Why Does It Happen?

1. Perceived Progress: Regular updates give the impression that a product is constantly evolving. Even if the changes are superficial, they can signal to users that the company is actively maintaining and improving the software.
2. User Feedback: Sometimes, changes are made in response to user feedback. However, not all feedback is about adding new features; some users may request aesthetic or organizational changes.
3. Internal Dynamics: Within large companies, different teams may have varying priorities. When there’s a lull in major feature development, UI changes can be a way to keep teams engaged and productive.
4. Market Competition: Staying visually appealing and modern is crucial in a competitive market. Small UI tweaks can help a product stay relevant and attractive compared to competitors.

The User Perspective

For users, these changes can be a mixed bag. On one hand, a refreshed UI can make software feel new and exciting. On the other hand, frequent changes can lead to frustration, especially if they disrupt familiar workflows or seem unnecessary. Are we any different?

At ITIQPro, we have carefully avoided 'moving the cheese' since our first EAM/CMMS version in 2003 except when absolutely necessary. Indeed, the founder of the company has had this policy since 1985! And we believe it is still a good policy. Is there ever a valid reason?

While “moving the cheese” in the tech world never leads to groundbreaking new features, it serves various purposes, from maintaining a sense of progress to responding to user feedback. Understanding the reasons behind these changes can help users navigate the ever-evolving landscape of software development with a bit more patience and insight Unfortunately, many companies deploy it simply to make it look like their product is progressing, when in fact it is not.