[IxDA Discuss] Usability as Feature

[pauric]

In terms of software design then yes, I am.  Who in their right mind gets
emotional about their email client or word processor? However in
product/industrial design I'll cite a few examples of form over function

The Chelsea tractor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsea_tractor
A $5K Rolex is less accurate than a $50 timex
My G4 laptop is more expensive, heavier, less powerful and has a shorter
battery life compared to my equivalent thinkpad, yet is more desirable.

Maybe I'm a little too cynical but I see a world of products which sell well
and have little to do with functionality, simplicity, usability and a lot to
do with branding & desirability. Think about iPod ads for a moment, they
dont talk about how the product is going to make your life better, not in
the same way this Novell page covers functionality, usability and comparison
with similar products
<http://www.novell.com/products/desktop/compare-to-vista.html>

In fact the iPods have succeeded against all odds: Short battery life
resulting from extra CPU cycles decoding DRM encrpytion.  Not very durable
but command a  premium price tag.  Form over function at the expense of a
better experience.

Yes, they arent mutually exclusive but are they mutually dependent?  The
iPhone will sell like hotcakes and I'll buy you dinner if it doesnt have
poor battery & reception along with the knowns of applications and service
lock-in.  Tell me how those are part of 'good' design.

I would say that desires and needs are unrelated for all intents and
purposes.