User Experience Thinking: The BBC World Cup Mode

The BBC Web Site is currently sporting two modes which the humble user can choose between:

• World Cup Mode: On
• World Cup Mode: Off

What a fabulous piece of insight into the needs of their customers. The UK will be divided over the next few weeks between those who care about the World Cup and those that don’t. Most of Scotland, for instance, will only be watching with moderate interest because their team didn’t make it. Millions of us English will be desperate to get our regular updates.

Recognising the different desires and doing something about it is pure genius.

I wonder if it’s the shape of things to come though.

Here’s a few idea for some more modes:

• I don’t care what Jordan is doing now mode.
• I love cricket.
• I’m a news junkie.