Comment UI Science Utopia vs. Reality (Score 2, Interesting) 316
So as I understand the article, consistency is desirable for increased productivity because it allows the user to work at different computers without getting confused.
Did an article have to be written to state that? It is just common sense. Consistency is obviously the ideal in multi-computer work environments such as computer labs, POS terminals, etc.
However, it is preposterous to assume that everyone works like that. Many, like I, work on one computer consistently. Let us for the moment forget the "Gee golly, I'm expressing myself" customization arguments. I use my computer at least 90% of the time I use computers. And this is the truth: My customizations are all geared to make me more productive. And this is another truth: They do make me more productive.
For us unicomputartians, eliminating customizations is ridiculous. Should I have to sacrifice my productivity 90% of the time I am working on my computer so that I may be more productive the other 10% of the time I'm working on other computers?
Jef does make a good point:
"Of course, there are no really well-designed interfaces out there good enough to prove the point that you don't need preferences."
Maybe that is why customization is essential to my productivity. Maybe a utopian UI will eliminate the need for customization. I doubt it. Not when you put humans into the UI equation.
This should be obvious. Don't we as people interact differently with different people? Do you interact exactly the same with your mom as you do with your friends? Do you tell your mom dirty jokes while kissing your friends and telling them you love them? Well, you might, but it is still a sure bet that you adapt your interaction to the person you are interacting with. In essence, you CUSTOMIZE your interface for the benefit of yourself and the individuals your are interacting with. Why do you do this? Because each person you interact with is different and your relationship with them is different.
This can be made analogous to our interaction with computers. Each person's aptitudes and behaviors are unique. Also, our relationships with our computers vary: In other words, people do different things with their computers.
Can one UI be developed that can most effectively deal with ALL the differences in people and ALL the different work situations? Without the benefit of customization?
Heck no.
Maybe in some utopian parallel universe, it could be done. I highly doubt it. And it certainly will not be done in the present software development environment of feature bloat and "we'll fix the bugs after release."
Despite Jef's insightfulness, he does make some silly arguments:
"But what if you say to me, "So what, I like it better my way even if it doesn't work as well." Then, if I give you preferences, I am abdicating my role as a responsible designer."
Yes, I've seen people customize their interface in a way that makes them less efficient. But these people are determined to be less efficient no matter what UI you put in front of them. It is well recognized that there are organized, efficient people, and those that are not.
And if a person is stupid enough to change their colors to red on red, then that person is going to have a hard enough time dressing himself, let alone use a computer.
So it remains true: consistency for the group, customization for the individual.
You can't have Yin without your Yang.
Ihuj
ihuj_at_yahoo_dot_com
Did an article have to be written to state that? It is just common sense. Consistency is obviously the ideal in multi-computer work environments such as computer labs, POS terminals, etc.
However, it is preposterous to assume that everyone works like that. Many, like I, work on one computer consistently. Let us for the moment forget the "Gee golly, I'm expressing myself" customization arguments. I use my computer at least 90% of the time I use computers. And this is the truth: My customizations are all geared to make me more productive. And this is another truth: They do make me more productive.
For us unicomputartians, eliminating customizations is ridiculous. Should I have to sacrifice my productivity 90% of the time I am working on my computer so that I may be more productive the other 10% of the time I'm working on other computers?
Jef does make a good point:
"Of course, there are no really well-designed interfaces out there good enough to prove the point that you don't need preferences."
Maybe that is why customization is essential to my productivity. Maybe a utopian UI will eliminate the need for customization. I doubt it. Not when you put humans into the UI equation.
This should be obvious. Don't we as people interact differently with different people? Do you interact exactly the same with your mom as you do with your friends? Do you tell your mom dirty jokes while kissing your friends and telling them you love them? Well, you might, but it is still a sure bet that you adapt your interaction to the person you are interacting with. In essence, you CUSTOMIZE your interface for the benefit of yourself and the individuals your are interacting with. Why do you do this? Because each person you interact with is different and your relationship with them is different.
This can be made analogous to our interaction with computers. Each person's aptitudes and behaviors are unique. Also, our relationships with our computers vary: In other words, people do different things with their computers.
Can one UI be developed that can most effectively deal with ALL the differences in people and ALL the different work situations? Without the benefit of customization?
Heck no.
Maybe in some utopian parallel universe, it could be done. I highly doubt it. And it certainly will not be done in the present software development environment of feature bloat and "we'll fix the bugs after release."
Despite Jef's insightfulness, he does make some silly arguments:
"But what if you say to me, "So what, I like it better my way even if it doesn't work as well." Then, if I give you preferences, I am abdicating my role as a responsible designer."
Yes, I've seen people customize their interface in a way that makes them less efficient. But these people are determined to be less efficient no matter what UI you put in front of them. It is well recognized that there are organized, efficient people, and those that are not.
And if a person is stupid enough to change their colors to red on red, then that person is going to have a hard enough time dressing himself, let alone use a computer.
So it remains true: consistency for the group, customization for the individual.
You can't have Yin without your Yang.
Ihuj
ihuj_at_yahoo_dot_com
