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