Driving Forces

  • before computers were widely used, most complex systems were designed by engineers for engineers

  • now, many devices perform complex tasks for regular users

  • often it is unrealistic to expect users to spend a lot of energy on learning how to use products

  • functionality and performance used to be more important as distinguishing factors, but that is changing for more and more products

  • our professional and personal lives are becoming inundated with products that perform complex tasks

  • some of these products may affect critical aspects like health, security, privacy

  • poor design should not have to be overcome by forcing the user to adapt to the product