[Sigia-l] RE: The Value of "IA" or Whatnot, was: The New Nielsen?

[Adam Korman]

Most of this discussion seems to miss the heart of the issue, because it's
stuck in the same rut that got us to the sorry state of software that we're
in today. Structure vs. surface -- this is an argument about how to design
for a pre-digital era. They are both important for digital product design,
but the defining characteristic of most software has little to do with
either in comparison to its *behavior*. This is the problem with the
examples Peter cites (a building, pencil or DB schema) ... none of these is
terribly interactive and exhibits little/no behavior. Sure there are
important lessons to be learned from good design in the physical world, but
we shouldn't assume that the approach can be transferred directly into the
digital world.

Using software is visceral, but it's not because of "bells and whistles,"
it's because it has interactive behaviors. Is it Martha Stewart's clothes or
eyes that make her seem evil? They both contribute, but it's her cloying
smile, affected tone, and underhanded business practices that make her who
she is.

Regards, Adam
=============
Adam Korman
adam at futilitarian.com