In this episode, we explore the nuanced relationship between pricing strategies and service design. The discussion highlights three key areas:

Complex Pricing and User Interface Design: Daniele shares insights on how complex pricing can complicate user interfaces, using public transportation ticket machines as an example. He suggests that simplifying pricing could lead to more user-friendly interfaces.

Innovative Pricing Models: The conversation covers innovative approaches to pricing, such as Switzerland’s “L’abonnement général” for public transport, and the simplicity and transparency of Basecamp’s pricing model for SaaS. These examples illustrate the benefits of straightforward pricing structures in enhancing customer experience.

Psychological Impact of Pricing on Quality Perception: Daniele discusses how pricing affects customers’ perceptions of quality and engagement, sharing personal anecdotes about book pricing strategies. The episode delves into ethical considerations in pricing, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful relationships through thoughtful pricing strategies.

Overall, the episode sheds light on the intricate role of pricing in service design, urging designers and businesses to consider how pricing strategies impact user experience, customer relationships, and perceived value.

(Show summary by ChatGPT)

00:00 Intro
00:49 The Problem Is Not the Interface, It’s the Pricing
04:48 L’abonnement Général
07:19 37 Signals
07:50 Basecamp Pricing
09:41 Bigger Organizations
10:21 Trade-offs
12:04 Show Me Your Damn Pricing
13:20 Provide recurring services? You’re in a relationship.
16:15 The Price Changes The Quality Without Any Other Change
22:17 A higher price gives you room
25:55 Guy doesn’t answer the question.
27:20 Pricing in threes
29:11 BANT Framework
30:04 Quantitative elements have lots of research and data
32:23 Some takeaways
34:21 Wrap up

Swiss GA Travelcard - “l’abonnement général”- https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/travelcards/ga-travelcard.html

Fair Tiq - https://fairtiq.com/en/

37 Signals - https://37signals.com/
Basecamp - https://basecamp.com/pricing

BANT Framework - Budget Authority Need Timing (Search for “BANT framework alternative” for other frameworks)