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Why Software Sucks, And Can Something Be Done About It?
CPNABEND tipped us to a story carried on the Fox News site, pointing out that a lot of programmers don't understand their users. David Platt, author of the new book 'Why Software Sucks ... And What You Can Do About It', looks at the end user experience with end user eyes. While technically inclined individuals tend to want control, Platt argues, most people just want something that works. On the other hand, the article also cites David Thomas, executive director of the Software & Information Industry Association. His opinion: Users don't know what they want. From the article: "'You don't want your customers to design your product,' he said. 'They're really bad at it.' As more and more software becomes Internet-based, he said, companies can more easily monitor their users' experiences and improve their programs with frequent updates. They have a financial incentive to do so, since more consumer traffic results in higher subscription or advertising revenues." Where does your opinion lay? Should software 'just work', or are users too lazy?
It's just begging to be said.
"Why does software suck?" Because it's made by Windows.
For a good illustration of the truth of what you've written, try teaching a Computer Literacy class for adults who have never used a computer before. I got questions like "what's a mode?" and "why are these little arrow keys for?".
Trying to teach computer literacy to adults who lack basic dead-tree literacy seems like an exercise in frustration.
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"Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
I'm guilty of some sneering at the 'average' computer user, and I'm working on that, but I'd like to point something out:
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Basically I sometimes wonder whether putting a PC in every home was such a hot idea after all.
I think you need to keep working on that, as you are still doing it in case you didn't notice.