[Sigia-l] Skill based interfaces (was Coat Hanger Usability)

[Dave Collins]

>>It seems like people quickly forget the extensive period of instruction 
>>that goes into driving a car: this is not an example of a seamless system 
>>- if it were truly "usable" we wouldn't need the extensive series of 
>>licensing procedures & penalties that exist around the world, nor would 
>>the automobile be amongst the deadliest man-made machines in the world.
>
>Only if 'usable' means intuitive - which to me it does not.


That's because you're specializing in a relatively narrow user profile.
Usable does not mean intuitive for BMWs or guitars because they are the
equivalent of 'power users'. Intuitiveness that that user profile takes a
back seat to performance efficiency. What you're calling a skills-based
interface is more aptly considered one targeted to power users.

But the larger group in most situations tends to be less-experienced users
or novices. Intuitiveness can be regarded as the default 'best practice',
unless it interferes with performance for power users.