At Backboard, we rely heavily on feedback from users to help us shape new features and functionality.

The process is simple (and borrowed from some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs). First, we come up with a vision. At a high level, what will the product do? How will it affect our users’ lives?

Next, we build the basic infrastructure to address the vision. For Backboard, this was the no-frills initial version, launched in mid-May. While some reviewers found the product a bit too simple, others found the ease-of-use refreshing. We found that if you give users a taste of where you are going, and ask for their feedback, you can shape a product that addresses their needs spot on.

Feedback on the early versions of Backboard came rolling in, taking the form of blog posts, comments, emails and posts on our sample Backboard. We compared this feedback to our product plan and made some significant changes–prioritizing features our users asked for most. Address books and security (now launched) shot to the top of the list. Other features were nixed — they would only serve to distract from Backboard’s core functionality.

We have been working hard for the last couple of months to introduce these new features. Please continue to give us feedback!

As a feedback company, what is more natural than seeking feedback at every stage of development?