[PLUG-TALK] [PLUG] Best live CD for a MacBook -- moved to PLUG-Talk

[Rich Shepard]

On Wed, 10 Oct 2007, Paul Heinlein wrote:

> There are very few intuitive UIs in the world.

Paul,

   I think that the nipple is the only intuitive interface. Babies of all
mammalian species seek it without being taught. All other interfaces are
learned.

   On the subject of doorknobs, last year there was an article in the
Oregonian about a group of east Africans (from Somalia perhaps, I don't
recall) who were sponsored to come to Portland to live. They had to be
taught how to open doors using the knob (having never before seen such
things), how to use a toilet, and so on. I thought it was a fascinating
reminder how easily we assume that things we've learned are known by all.

> Given the reliance of current computing UIs on advanced language skills
> and complex metaphors, ...

   Well, there we are. Too many computer users struggle with elemental
language skills and never reach the advanced stage, and don't even know what
a metaphor is when they trip over one.

   The term "intuitive" has been mis-applied for decades and had lost all
meaning.

   Perhaps the target for UI designers should be "easy to teach to anyone
with the neural capacity greater than that of a planarian." By that, I mean
less than a couple of hours.

Rich

-- 
Richard B. Shepard, Ph.D.               |    The Environmental Permitting
Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc.        |         Accelerators(TM)
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