Autodesk Labs: To log in or not to log in - that is the question

To date Autodesk Labs has been wide open. We allow visitors to peruse the web site, try services, and download utilities without any fuss. We want to make sure there are no hoops to jump through to try things and provide valuable feedback. On the other hand, there are times where we wish to contact you. We want to provide additional information or seek your input on specific questions. With our wide open approach to the site, it is not easy for us to do so. For cases where we anticipate needing to contact you, we have created download forms where you supply your contact information as part of experimenting with a utility. For example, here is the form for the JT Translator Add-in for Inventor:

We have had several of these forms now for technologies like translator add-ins for Inventor, UI Technology Preview for Inventor, Inventor LT Technology Preview, and Advanced Simulation Technology Preview. Looking at the data collected, I see we have many repeat customers. Some of you are on the cutting edge and like to try many new things. We applaud you. You are what makes Autodesk Labs what it is.

Nobody likes filling out a form. We get that. What's worse is having to supply the same information over and over. So what we are considering is requiring logging into Autodesk Labs to download a utility. You would only have to register and supply your information once. Actually Autodesk Labs uses the Autodesk Single Sign-on login, so many of you are already registered as part of community sites, subscription management, etc. When your contact information changes, you update the one login and are all set for everything - including Autodesk Labs. So how would you feel about having to log into the Labs site as part of downloading a utility? I ask this question, because we don't want to add barriers to your participation. On the other hand, if we can't contact you, we're not getting the most out of the relationship. Please share your thoughts at [email protected].

Seeking input on our approach to improving customer contact is alive in the lab.