Everything Just Works
With respect to computers a common phrase heard is “Everything just works.” What does that phrase mean?
To an engineer or developer working on mock ups and prototypes, the focus is function.
To non technical users the focus is form with an underlying presumption of being functional. Therein lies the chasm and difference between the two types of users with respect to Linux desktops.
The popularity of Windows and smart phones has established a design criterion that Linux developers have not yet mastered: everything is expected to be point-and-click. Or taps and swipes.
The idea of using a terminal is foreign to non technical users.
The idea of configuring or tinkering is foreign to these same users. They expect to insert and turn a key, shift into gear, and drive. They have no desire to lift the hood or debug warning lights.
Posted: Category: Commentary, Usability Tagged: General
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