[IxDA Discuss] The biggest usability problem with Windows

[W Evans]

I would have to disagree - any aspect of a design that isn't a bug, is
merely a place to improve. A usability bug, I would argue - is any
interaction of human-computer interaction where the system does not perform
as expected, given the semiotics of the systems interface. What do I mean by
the semiotics of the interface. I think from classic buttons, forms,
navigation elements, labels, and perceived user mental model (conceptual
model - whatever - we would all refer back to our Norman User Centered
System Design book to be explicit), users develop an underlying framework of
what a system does, and how it should behave. Also, based on
pseudo-standards and past experience interacting with other systems,
websites, applications, etc - an inherited system of patterns emerges in the
users head. To violate those patterns, assumptions, or for the system to
present a system of sign's, symbols, and markers that leads the user to
think an action will do one thing, and then for it to fail - is a usability
bug.
I don't think that long start up times are a usability bug for that reason.
Users, including myself - hate long startup times - but we also tend to
expect them, and when a system reboots - we expect to wait for a long time.
Given that expectation - it is an opportunity for improvement, but not a
failure of meeting users expectations.
my 2 cents (if that).

-Will

On Tue, 4 Sep 2007 13:23:05, pauric <radiorental at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Russell, point accepted.  It can be said that any aspect of a design
> that isnt perfect, is a bug.
>
> In practical terms though, I'm saying even the most catastrophic
> design issue are not perceived issues if
> a) its too much pain to fix and
> b) does not cause enough pain in users for them to choose alternative
> products (or cause death)
>
> I'm not saying the issue should not be discussed.  Just putting
> forth the point that there's valid reasons why stuff like this hasnt
> been fixed. There are bigger usability issues
>
> I think the get a mac ads highlight most of them:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7ReS_ur4Kc
>
> boot-up speed not being among the things they make fun of.
>
>
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-- 
~ we

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n:     will evans
t:      user experience architect
e:     wkevans4 at gmail.com

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