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I think you should have to take a simple intelligence test as you walk into a store. If you refuse or fail you don't get to use the self checkout. This should b

I think you should have to take a simple intelligence test as you walk into a store. If you refuse or fail you don't get to use the self checkout. This should be a very very simple test like being able to read a number properly and pick something out of a list....when I stand there watching people use those machines I really feel like 90% of them would fail.

deleted 9y ago
[deleted]
matthewmacleod 9y ago
Sometimes I understand why you feel that way. But I think there's some bias; as an engineer I can work out why these machines operate the way they do, to some extent. From the perspective of someone with no experience in this field, I imagine it's a much more frustrating experience, especially when some of the machines are so god-awful to use.
- mrguyorama 9y ago
  You say that, but it doesn't take engineer levels of understanding to read the instructions in big, bright letters on the screen, which seems to be a skill many people lack when facing these devices. I think it just comes down to yet another example of smart people forgetting how to function when faced with an electronic device, regardless of past experience with critical thinking and problem solving. It's willful helplessness.
pavel_lishin 9y ago
That's right, it's the users who are stupid, and not the designers who didn't focus enough on the UX.
- grawprog 9y ago
  Ya sometimes it really is the users that are stupid. There are just some things some people shouldn't use. That's just the way of the world. If someone has trouble checking their email or doing basic computer tasks or even what should be simple life tasks, chances are they will struggle with a self checkout and no amount of good ux wil change that. Some people just can't or won't learn such things.
  - pavel_lishin 9y ago
    Okay. And I get that your original comment was mostly in jest. But ... to what end, exactly? Fine; some people can't use self-checkout counters. But there are typically multiple counters, and nearly every one I've ever seen used operated on a British queue-based system instead of a line, so one person taking a long to check out shouldn't slow you down significantly. And I don't even think I agree with your premise, anyway. If Amazon can work out the kinks out of their magic-zero-checkout stores, then that's the best UX experience.
    - grawprog 9y ago
      I think you're just upset cause you'd fail the test. It's cool most stores still have cashiers to assist you.
      - dang 9y ago
        We've banned this account for repeatedly violating the site guidelines. If you don't want to be banned, you're welcome to email hn@ycombinator.com and give us reason to believe that you'll follow the rules in the future. https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
- mrguyorama 9y ago
  It is not an indicator of stupidity, but if you haven't seen people lose all problem solving skills when faced with an automated system, you may need to expand your social circle. When it comes to technology, some people have realized that screaming for help and blaming the system is an option, and seem to always pick that over reading a simple instructional sentence presented in bright colors directly on screen. If you've ever been "the family tech guy/girl", then you likely have experienced this or understand.

deleted 9y ago

[deleted]

matthewmacleod 9y ago

Sometimes I understand why you feel that way. But I think there's some bias; as an engineer I can work out why these machines operate the way they do, to some extent. From the perspective of someone with no experience in this field, I imagine it's a much more frustrating experience, especially when some of the machines are so god-awful to use.

mrguyorama 9y ago
You say that, but it doesn't take engineer levels of understanding to read the instructions in big, bright letters on the screen, which seems to be a skill many people lack when facing these devices. I think it just comes down to yet another example of smart people forgetting how to function when faced with an electronic device, regardless of past experience with critical thinking and problem solving. It's willful helplessness.

pavel_lishin 9y ago

That's right, it's the users who are stupid, and not the designers who didn't focus enough on the UX.

grawprog 9y ago
Ya sometimes it really is the users that are stupid. There are just some things some people shouldn't use. That's just the way of the world. If someone has trouble checking their email or doing basic computer tasks or even what should be simple life tasks, chances are they will struggle with a self checkout and no amount of good ux wil change that. Some people just can't or won't learn such things.
- pavel_lishin 9y ago
  Okay. And I get that your original comment was mostly in jest. But ... to what end, exactly? Fine; some people can't use self-checkout counters. But there are typically multiple counters, and nearly every one I've ever seen used operated on a British queue-based system instead of a line, so one person taking a long to check out shouldn't slow you down significantly. And I don't even think I agree with your premise, anyway. If Amazon can work out the kinks out of their magic-zero-checkout stores, then that's the best UX experience.
  - grawprog 9y ago
    I think you're just upset cause you'd fail the test. It's cool most stores still have cashiers to assist you.
    - dang 9y ago
      We've banned this account for repeatedly violating the site guidelines. If you don't want to be banned, you're welcome to email hn@ycombinator.com and give us reason to believe that you'll follow the rules in the future. https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
mrguyorama 9y ago
It is not an indicator of stupidity, but if you haven't seen people lose all problem solving skills when faced with an automated system, you may need to expand your social circle. When it comes to technology, some people have realized that screaming for help and blaming the system is an option, and seem to always pick that over reading a simple instructional sentence presented in bright colors directly on screen. If you've ever been "the family tech guy/girl", then you likely have experienced this or understand.